O'Hara, Casey: Credentialing

            Emphasis is forever being placed on getting a better education. From the time we start Kindergarden, there is the underlying understanding in middle class society that the point of education is to go to college to get "the best education." But who is to determine the value of this education- is it the ones pursuing the knowledge or the capitalists of society dictating a diploma as equal to social class.

            Western education has held the tradition of producing "not learning but graduates, with teaching subordinated to the process of certification...to keep their numbers scarce and their services expensive" (Editors).

            The value of a degree is becoming less impressive as it is being pursued by more people. A bachelor's degree now holds the same value as a high school diploma did twenty years ago. Right now, there are thousands of workers holding a degree that is worthless to their professions. Not only does this devalue the worth of a degree, but it also wastes thousands of dollars on a useless education. Although this provides a hefty profit for banks providing student loans, it depletes the economic opportunity of the student.

            Professional careers are some of the only jobs that need a degree to succeed. In the majority of careers, the skills and tools one needs to succeed can be learned on the job. Society needs to refocus from professional jobs back to service and skill jobs. Although there are some needed professional jobs, there are an equal if not a more numerous amount of skill-based jobs available. These jobs do not necessarily have to be flipping burgers or working retail; work such as mechanics, construction, welding, or other hands-on jobs are the jobs right now that no one has, but are greatly needed.        However, because of society's push towards education, these jobs are not always filled as they should be.  The Editors state, "Dignity must be restored to labor, and power and ecumenicism to labor unions. On the other side the reverse must happen: dignity must be drained from the credential. Otherwise, the accreditation arms race will become more fearsome."

            Society needs to be more educated about their education. If a job does not require a degree-—don't get one. If a professional job needs a degree—get one. There is not always a need to go in debt or waste time on a degree one does not necessarily need.