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Rhetorical Analysis Of Degrees And Dollars By Paul Krugman

689 Words3 Pages

Today’s generation is constantly being told that the workforce is over saturated and a university degree no longer guarantees a job. “Degrees and Dollars” explores the idea that technology is taking over the workforce and changing the economy in the process. Paul Krugman’s views, however, are very one sided. He not only dismisses the value of education and ignores the valuable role technology plays in creating employment opportunity in a wide variety of industries. Paul Krugman is an accomplished Professor of Economics and International Affairs and a recipient of a Nobel Prize in economics. The article begins with an attempt to challenge our opinion of the universal truth that education is the key to economic success and explains that technology …show more content…

The article speaks to a wide range of people including young adults and recent graduates. It is hard not to agree with Krugman at first glance because as members of a western society we are constantly seeing the changes and advancements in technology in our daily lives. From handheld smart devices that connect us to the world to medical technology that can analyze the human body and detect irregularities “more cheaply and effectively” than a doctor, there is no doubt that the world is changing at an accelerated pace (Kessler, 2011, pp 331). Paul Krugman argues that the current education system does not ensure success in today’s workforce and, at its present state, is one of the main factors in the alternation of the job …show more content…

Krugman writes “education is not the answer” and with a college degrees there are no “guarantees […] you’ll get a good job” (Krugman, 2011, pp 335). But he fails to mention the intrinsic value of education. The sole purpose of education is not to simply ensure financial stability but to enable the student to become productive members of society. Schools and the education system allow young adults to develop and strengthen fundamental qualities like confidence, respect and integrity that are demanded in everyday life. An education allows young adults to have a better understanding of the world we live in and that our actions can have global implications.
Secondly the entire article speaks to the fact that jobs requiring higher education are at risk of being replaced by technology, however, it seems Krugman has completely disregarded careers in the trades. Jobs such as plumbers and electricians, while not require a university degree, do require post secondary education and should in no way be viewed as less valuable. Krugman fails to discuss how the ever-changing economy will affect these jobs. Will they become the “medium wage jobs” or will they become the “new high wage jobs”? (Krugman, 2011, pp

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