Economics

Our In-Depth Economic Analysis:

All Work and No Play: Economic Analysis

A holistic education is defined as “the philosophy of educating the whole person, beyond core academics” (American University). This naturally contradicts the specialized education model, which “allows students, through academic programs, to pinpoint their professional path and focus on one particular career field” (Goodwin University). Many educators argue that a holistic education is more valuable than a specialized one; while others say that a specialized education makes for a more productive society. Does a holistic education benefit society more than a specialized education?

A specialized education focuses on students’ passions and interests early, placing less emphasis on extracurriculars and more emphasis on providing students with a specialized course load. Some scholars argue that a specialized education cuts out the unnecessary aspects of education—asking why a high schooler must play sports, create artwork, speak another language, and take classes in five different subjects when they know they want to become a dentist, for example. For students that have discovered their one passion, pursuing these broad course requirements can seem unnecessary and even overwhelming (Freis).

Rather than being primarily focused on specialization, the United States’ education system, in particular, is known for its extreme dedication to the liberal arts approach. It has become a social norm to believe that “a liberal arts education [is] the peak of quality education” (Freis). This mentality is generated at the level of elite liberal arts universities and has trickled down into secondary schools; it gives high school students the impression that they must receive good grades to get accepted into one of these elite universities, or else they will struggle to make ends meet as an unskilled laborer with just a high school degree. Author Josephine Freis argues that this perspective on education is far too narrow, and the United States needs to reevaluate what successful career paths look like and how education shapes them.

Through placing focus on a specific skill set, specialized education motivates an individual to find a vocation they are passionate about and pursue it at a higher level. As a result, career-focused education has proved beneficial in increasing productivity and diversifying the workforce. Instead of gaining a general understanding across a broad scope of areas, those who receive a specialized education dig deeper into a specialty and achieve mastery. By valuing this achievement of mastery, individuals are able to “develop new techniques or new technologies that lead to huge increases in productivity,” leading to “higher standards of living for all those involved in economic exchanges” (Ross). Therefore, when the workforce is saturated with individuals who hold mastery in diverse specialties, the economy benefits as a whole.

Compared to those who graduate with degrees in humanities and the liberal arts, those who graduate with degrees in specialized fields have higher median earnings and are more likely to pursue graduate-level education. According to a report written by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, students who graduated from college with an undergraduate degree in computer science and mathematics have a median annual income of $98,000, while students who graduated with a degree in humanities and liberal arts (specifically social work) earned a median annual income of only $39,000. The figures are shown below.

Furthermore, students with undergraduate degrees in STEM fields continue on to graduate school at a much higher rate; 54% for biology and life science majors and 44% for physical science majors compared to 41% for humanities and liberal arts majors. These data points demonstrate the fact that students who are in more specialized undergraduate majors are more likely to pursue advanced degrees, which consequently leads to higher median income (Carnevale, et al.).

The argument for a more specialized education emphasizes efficiency—in the sense of time and cost. Talented students that attend top private high schools may spend all four years of high school and then two more in college trudging through broad course requirements when they could be using their time on their specialization of choice.

One could also argue that a holistic education—one where students are involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, the arts, cultural showcasing, and physical education along with their academic studies—can increase the efficiency and productivity of the workforce, which in turn benefits the economy and society as a whole. The main points of the argument for a holistic education are as follows: students who receive a holistic education are more successful in college, a holistic education creates critical life skills and moral/social responsibility, and those who are educated holistically develop interpersonal (or soft) skills that build the foundation for a successful career.

Students who are holistically educated and involved in extracurricular activities in secondary school have higher rates of success in college compared to those not involved beyond the classroom. A study has shown that,“on average, 51% of students who participate in athletics or clubs during the four years of high school obtain a bachelor's degree, while this rate is only 24% among those who do not participate” (Costa). The same study provides statistics suggesting that participation in extracurricular activities during high school affects salaries even after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The table is provided below.

Here it is shown that the average weekly wages of those with a bachelor’s degree make significantly more per week (859.26) than those with only a high school diploma (680.18), and it is also shown that those who’ve participated in athletics and clubs make more money than those who did not.

Involvement outside of the classroom provides students with the opportunity to explore their interests and try new things they otherwise would not. This willingness to delve into the arts, athletics, or other fields allows students to discover their true passions which they otherwise may not have found if they traveled down a specialized educational path in high school. Extracurricular activities, in addition to a set educational curriculum, builds students’ awareness of their career opportunities going forward, and this greater understanding of their options in the future benefits their mental health.

Involvement in extracurricular programs not only increases students’ chances of success in college, but also promotes their wellbeing. Researchers have found “that involvement in extracurricular activities is related to higher aspirations for the future, the likelihood of avoiding the development of antisocial behavior problems, and low levels of depression and anxiety” (Costa). Clubs, athletics, and other related programs help students more clearly envision their futures, and give them more confidence in their abilities to lead a successful and fulfilling life. An educational experience that goes beyond the classroom allows students to discover their strengths and weaknesses. They can then build upon their strengths, and improve upon their weaknesses, improving their self-confidence and promoting their mental wellbeing.

A holistic education develops critical social skills that are essential for the greater good of society. Whereas a specialized education focuses on the mastery of one craft, a holistic education promotes emotional and mental development across a wider range of activities. ASCD, an education betterment organization, describes the importance of being well-rounded and improving cognitive skills in today’s world, “Indeed, students should learn U.S. and world history, biology, chemistry, literature, economics, and mathematics if they are to understand and contribute to important political, economic, and moral discussions as citizens. And in a world that cries out for far more human connections, how can we neglect the arts and languages?” The ASCD deems it necessary to let individuals grow beyond specialization and towards a more full maturing of all aspects that can contribute to an overall improvement of humanity. Although the ASCD recognizes the importance of a holistic education now more than ever, this form of learning has to always been called for. Dr. Whitney Griswold, president of Yale addressed this issue directly when he said, “‘If we do not restore liberal arts to their rightful place in education,’ … ‘then we run the danger of creating a headless monster with skill but no sense of values’” (The New York Times). Griswold fears that specialization drives us away from pursuing a collective good and towards a simple and flat civilization. Both the ASCD and Griswold understand the importance of a holistic education if we want to develop ourselves emotionally and mentally to improve the social capability for all.

Along with critical thinking skills, a holistic education develops interpersonal skills which build the foundation for successful careers. “In this approach [the holistic approach], students accept ownership of their academic and personal responsibilities by establishing realistic goals, managing their time and setting out plans to achieve them. This methodology empowers students and instills a range of interpersonal and soft skills, such as creative thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, collaboration, etc… Students are engaged and empowered, resulting in better educational outcomes. Students also acquire the necessary life skills to lead them to a successful career” (Costa).

Overall, a well-rounded educational model is a better option for students. A well-rounded education provides students with interpersonal (“people”) skills, critical skills such as time management and problem-solving, and a social and moral responsibility. The US Government should put policies into place to better support the implementation of well-rounded education models in school systems within the United States. More funds should be allocated to schools that do not have the resources to alter their current education system. In addition, the importance of standardized testing in the traditional educational model should be de-emphasized. These policy changes would greatly benefit education and society as a whole.

Works Cited

“A Well-Rounded Education for a Flat World.” ASCD, https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/a-well-rounded-education-for-a-flat-world. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.

Barber, Carolyn, et al. “Volunteerism as Purpose: Examining the Long-Term Predictors of Continued Community Engagement.” Educational Psychology, vol. 33, no. 3, May 2013, pp. 314–33. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2013.772775.

Carnevale, Anthony P, et al. “Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.” Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Georgetown University, cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/whatsitworth-complete.pdf.

Costa, Cristiano M. Extracurricular Activities and Wage Differentials. 2010, p. 107. https://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1220&context=edissertations.

Deming, David J. “The Growing Importance of Social Skills in the Labor Market.” Harvard University, 2017, https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/ddeming/files/deming_socialskills_aug16.pdf.

Freis, Josephine. “On the Social Archetypes of ‘Good’ Education.” Campus Times, 18 Sept. 2022, http://www.campustimes.org/2022/09/18/on-the-social-archetypes-of-good-education/.

Iwasaki, Scott. Students Develop Life Skills through Art, Music and Theater. https://www.parkrecord.com/news/special-sections/park-city-parent/students-develop-life-skills-through-art-music-and-theater/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.

“Making the Case for Liberal Arts.” US News & World Report, //www.usnews.com/news/education-news/articles/2018-05-17/liberal-arts-programs-struggle-to-make-a-case-for-themselves. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.

Mohd, Nicky. “How A Holistic Approach In Education Benefits Students.” The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), 11 May 2022, https://www.iskl.edu.my/how-a-holistic-approach-in-education-benefits-students/.

NUMBER OF JOBS, LABOR MARKET EXPERIENCE, MARITAL STATUS, AND HEALTH: RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL LONGITUDINAL SURVEY. p. 19.

Cuseo, Joe. “The Case for a Holistic Approach to Promoting Student Success.” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284283805_The_Case_for_a_Holistic_Approach_to_Promoting_Student_Success. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.

Pisacreta, Catharine B. Hill &. Elizabeth Davidson. “The Economic Benefits and Costs of a Liberal Arts Education.” Mellon Foundation, Ithaka S+R, 11 Jan. 2019, https://mellon.org/news-blog/articles/economic-benefits-and-costs-liberal-arts-education/.

Poliakoff, Michael. “What Is The Return On Investment From A Liberal Arts Education?” Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelpoliakoff/2020/10/22/what-is-the-return-on-investment-from-a-liberal-arts-education/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.

Report: Liberal Arts Colleges Deliver One of the Highest Returns on Investment | Higher Ed Dive. https://www.highereddive.com/news/report-liberal-arts-colleges-deliver-one-of-the-highest-returns-on-investm/570321/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.

Ross, Sean. “What Are the Economic Impacts of Specialization?” Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/040615/what-are-economic-impacts-specialization.asp. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.

Stevenson, Bryan. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. New York: Spiegel & Grau, 2015

The Shining. Produced and directed by Stanley Kurbrick, based on novel by Stephen King, EMI Elstree Studios, 1980.

“5 Advantages of a Career-Focused College.” Goodwin University, 3 Feb. 2021, https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/career-focused-college-advantages/.

Walker, Tim. Goodbye “Core Subjects,” Hello “Well-Rounded Education” | NEA. https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/goodbye-core-subjects-hello-well-rounded-education. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.

Well-Rounded Education - Web Video. Directed by EducationMinnesota, 2013. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKnJE2voKcE.

What Is Holistic Education? Understanding the History, Methods, and Benefits. https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/what-is-holistic-education/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2022.

Whiplash. Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, Bold Films, Blumhouse Productions, and Right of Way Films, 2014.

“YOUTHS CITE NEED FOR LIBERAL ARTS.” The New York Times, 18 Apr. 1954, p. 91.