In January 2012, President Obama called for states to extend compulsory education in the U.S. to age 18. More recently, the White House unveiled its America’s College Promise Proposal, which calls for free community college tuition for responsible students.
Common arguments in support of more education suggest that education spurs innovation and expands skilled and higher paying jobs. Counterarguments suggest education could reduce skilled jobs by promoting the development of new technology, production practices, and machines that can replace skilled labor.
We know that education has important occupational benefits for individuals, but do these benefits spill over into society as well? At the turn of the century, I find that they do. Continue Reading…