The value of an education - Essay Example

Final Research Paper Haotian Liu This paper not only highlights the importance of education but also considers different variables with respect to the attainment and attitude of the society. Education is important is many ways. It grooms a person, make one understand the difference between right and wrong, helps towards earning a good livelihood but most importantly contributes towards a healthy and peaceful society. The role of educators, which includes institutions as well as the teachers, parents as well of politicians is discussed. The economic condition, society norms and cultural attitudes, geographical locations as well as family dynamics, with respect to attainment and understanding the importance of education have also been reflected on. Books, articles as well as internet sources have been researched and quoted to understand the factors affecting delivering and attaining education at the highest standard; those required to improve the spreading of education as well understanding its importance have also been echoed. Keywords: Education, conditions, society Final Research Paper One of the most well known facts about society’s advancement is the fact that from an archaeological perspective, we have banded together to increase our chances of survival. At its root, this suggests that we band together to work together and to learn from one another. Learning from a person is what modern education is today. Society can only progress forward due in part to education and without it, it is a wasteful experience. Education progresses people beyond their limits, allowing for improvements that would not be otherwise possible. It becomes more concrete when perceived from the lens outside of what is commonly understood and held. The implications of a good education can become a persuasive argument for socioeconomic development. One can identify trends within any society to see that education is a tool for success when building a middle class and to some extent, solidifying the community. However, education is a complex issue that holds different keys and locks, all of which cannot be answered through a singular answer. The importance of an education is valued through what it can grant, provided that individuals help to support their educators but are often hindered by aspects like geography, familial dynamics and income; which should be overcome if one looks to improve society. Economic development can bring about change in its purest and simplest form. At its core, it can be said that an education has a key role in improving the quality of life and well-being (In Schmidt-Hertha, In Krašovec, & In Formosa, 2014). This is an important aspect of society. Education has long been a tool of improvement, used to advance the middle class into new heights. There are no downsides to improved advancements made in regards to education. Despite this, there are a variety of issues that inhibit the advancements that education can make. However, there are problems because the lack of economic development has detrimental effects on society as a whole. There is a systematic diversion from the existing dynamics which would grant an individual a pass to advance themselves in the world if they are put into a circumstance that disallows growth. Those living in poverty as well as immigrants are particularly vulnerable to this issue. Starting with poverty, there are a variety of issues that suggest that those in poverty are at a systematic disadvantage. Hispanic families for example, have children with a median income just over half that of White families with [only] $37,361 (Childrensdefenseorg. 2015). There are plenty of examples wherein children from minority families struggle. This is due in part to the fact that they have no real form of support. As a whole, minority children tend to be at a disadvantage. However, this becomes more pronounced with both black and Hispanic children. Black and Hispanic children are at a significant disadvantage in comparison to White children. The reason for this is simplistic, where economic opportunities allow White children to get the best care possible, it is often impossible for minority children to receive a similar benefit. As recently as 2011, it was found that one in five Black children have asthma; asthma can affect a child’s ability to learn, play and sleep (Childrensdefenseorg. 2015). Their health is a significant aspect and is directly correlated to their economic standing. Those who are in lower part of economic standing tend to struggle at an economic level. Both Hispanic and Black children are seen to struggle in regards to their health. The income levels for minority children tend to put them under the poverty line. As a result, they struggle significantly and it becomes more pronounced when juxtaposed by White children. Economic levels as they correlate to education are important in identifying things like infant mortality as well. Education suggests that an individual will have access to tools for success, as well as health. When one identifies that education quality at least tentatively, assigns value to gains in health (Jamison, Jamison, Hanushek & National Bureau of Economic Research. (2006). This is in reference to how children’s health will naturally correlate to their relative economic position. Children in good health naturally have a better understanding and opportunity to become children who study. The correlative factors as a result suggest that society should focus on education to improve the lives of children. This is more pronounced in a general statement as it shows a link between a children’s income and their test scores. Rouse & Barrow (2006) made suggestions that “children who are in the highest quartile have higher average test scores and are more likely never to have been held back a grade than children from families in the lowest quartile”. The correlation here is suggestive of the statistics provided by the Children’s Defense Fund. Namely that the value of a child’s education is heavily correlated to their income level. Their personal health, education and other factors all correlate to their relative income. This applied in a case study becomes apparent. Their education levels become even more staggered as seen by the dynamics between Hispanics and Blacks. Hispanic children as well as Blacks tend to fall off significantly as they enter school due in part to the lack of pre-school education. Studies done in 2011 showed that 82 percent of Hispanic public school students couldn’t read at grade level and 76 percent couldn’t do math at grade level (Childrensdefenseorg. (2015). There is a significant suggestion made here that would bring about the idea that there are correlative factors between education and poverty. Those born into poverty struggle due in part to the constructs developed by society. This dynamic for minority children becomes even more pronounced when juxtaposed by the fact that black youth age 16 to 24 face the worst employment rates (Childrensdefenseorg. 2015). The correlation of education and opportunity becomes quite clear when contrasted with different data. Those who are impoverished tend to lack the same opportunities that afford others the same level of success. Poverty doesn’t simply strike a community of people, but the actual community as well. There are insinuations made that the level of opportunity for poverty-stricken levels are nonexistent. This is due in part to the lack of investment made into these areas. The issue surrounding how poverty influences education is how it impacts a person’s decision making. For many of these children, they are painfully aware of the poverty that they exist in. Duncan-Andrade (2009) states, “it is clear that people of color trail their white counterparts on virtually every indicator of social, political, and economic well-being”. There are no redeeming qualities wherein a person of color is given an opportunity to succeed. As it were, the cards are stacked against them. As a result, they end up creating a self-defeating mentality which makes it even more difficult to have them invest into an education. Through pulling individuals out of poverty, it would help students engage in behavior that helps to avoid re-creating the oppressive conditions from which it originated (Solorzano & Bernal, 2001). That is, students who are given economic opportunities will naturally pursue educational opportunities. To deny one would willfully deny the other. The importance of education is seen here in tandem with poverty among minority children. Immigrant children tend to also struggle in comparison to White children, mostly due in part to their disadvantaged status that works in tandem with their economic poverty. One of the primary factors that help individuals move beyond their existing economic circumstances is through military action, which can have several different implications. As it stands, the United States military is the world’s largest employer. They employee the greatest amount of people and for good reason. Lester & Flake state that “The number of children involved with military members is significant as more than two million children have a parent on active duty or in the Guard and reserve and another two million have a parent who is a veteran” (p.122). This is suggestive of a society that is highly militarized, to the point where a large number of relatives are affected by the actions of the United States military. The United States has plenty of enemies and as a result, there must be soldiers to fund the desires of politicians. The motivation for soldiers can vary; however, one of the most important aspects is the promise of a free education. The GI Bill has given individuals the opportunity to look at different educational opportunities. The cost of an education is so valued by those who live in poverty that they purposefully choose an occupation that puts them in danger. The danger for the US military member does not necessarily only relate to them. The danger can expand to their families as well, for children especially. Children have noted to be more emotionally distant and are unable to establish a sense of belonging to a community at the cost of financial stability (Lester & Flake, 2013). There is a unique connotation here where children who are in military families tend to be more stable due in part to the economic benefits that are afforded to them. This is seen as opposed to individuals who have no real economic standing in society. However, the cost of an education and economic stability provided by the US military can become detrimental due in part to children who have a parent that suffers from traumatic brain injuries, posttraumatic stress, or a serious physical disability (Lester & Flake, 2013). The costs of working in the military and getting an education as well as economic stability is given at the trade of potentially life-threatening injuries. There is a conversation to be had about the significance of this because it symbolizes how important an education is. In order to enter the United States military, a high school diploma or GED is required. This low requirement is suggestive of the fact that there is likely no other option for these individuals to exercise, forcing them to enter a dangerous workforce. Immigrants are also similar to those who work in the military, where they take a significant risk and often suffer in order to get an education for their children. Immigrants are a unique part of the melting pot in the United States. They funnel into the world every day through a variety of polarizing vehicles. Some are smuggled in; others fly in on luxury planes. One of the biggest appeals to immigrating to America is seen in what a better life can be afforded to them. As per Immigrationpolicy.org, (2015) “11.7 million unauthorized immigrants now living in the United States”. A significant argument can be made about the value of an education to an immigrant. However, there is a consistency among all of them, where they value an education or opportunity afforded to them in their new part of society. Immigrant children tend to have lower testing scores due mostly in part to the lack of education afforded to them. Examples of this are seen as immigrant children from Central America, the Dominican Republic, or Indochina are less likely to participate in preschool programs (Karoly & Gonzalez, 2011).. Immigrants tend to add to the existing dynamics of poverty unless they are coming from a privileged position. Parents are often put into a situation where they are unable to support their children’s educational aspirations. This is seen in juxtaposition by the fact that they tend to have high aspirations for their educational attainment reflecting what they had worked tirelessly for (Karoly & Gonzalez, 2011). The value of an education is not lost on those who immigrate to countries like the United States, especially because of what it can bring about. However, poverty continues to be one of the biggest barriers of entry for those who wish to continue their education. It is found that those who are entered in specialized programs help the children succeed in their goals. Early Care and Education (ECE) programs help immigrant families significantly, which provide support that are particularly relevant for immigrant parents with young children (Karoly & Gonzalez, 2011). This allows the individuals become successful when it is necessary. The value of an education is significant, but the barriers of entry like poverty still tend to be significant. The value of an education cannot be overstated enough, but the barriers distinguish hopes of many to succeed. Even those who live in America are at risk for being able to get an education due in part to their relative income status. In tandem with poverty, the relative geography of certain areas can also have an impact, but on a much larger scale. From the perspective of what is valuable for those living in poverty, it may differ greatly due in part to where one lives. Those who are looking for an education may suffer from barriers of entry like poverty and opportunity. However, these two factors alone cannot justify the millions who lack a proper education. It becomes clear that in instances outside of the US, relative geography can also impact a person’s opportunity for a good education. In South Africa for example, certain locations are not conducive to rapid growth which correlates to an increased value on education. There is a juxtaposition seen here where the automotive industry is not conducive to rapid growth which is made clear through the industry itself (Hilten, 2015). The industry alludes to a perceived skill as being valued, namely factory work. However, this is juxtaposed by Cape Town which for astronomy, the country won a large international research project because of the clear sky in rural areas (Hilten, 2015). There is a correlation between the region and the value an education is placed. This stands to be a significant barrier of entry in its own right, because those who may live near the automotive industry’s primary place of work are likely to be less educated across the board. This information can be extrapolated to US case studies, as there are correlative factors. The location of a person’s livelihood is often a predictor of their economic success or prowess. This becomes more pronounced when society sees how well they develop as individuals. Education is the forte of an individual to pull themselves out of the world that they wish to leave. The cost of an education is clearly laid out, and is seen to be valuable because of what it can grant others. In terms of helping others get out of the constructs of society and become successful, it is important. Education gives individuals the ability to liberate themselves and their oppressors as well suggesting that education is like a tool (Freire, 2000). Giving people education gives them the opportunity to become something larger then themselves. This is important because an education is the only thing that can truly liberate a person. It is similar to how a person is chained down. An extended metaphor related to how a person’s future can become dependent on the breaking down of paradigms (Anzaldúa, 1999). They use education as a tool to break free of existing paradigms like poverty, and get out of it. The value of this is seen and the importance of it cannot be stressed enough. A person is able to change their lives completely through this utilization. The value of an education is only as valid as what individuals in the surrounding community are capable of accomplishing. It can be said that any type of socialization that inhibits economic growth or success can be reversed through the proper tools and utilization. Teachers for example, are at the forefront of educational change and can be seen as one of the most important aspects of society today. It is the obligation of a teacher to civilize that child and to teach the child the value of an education (Baldwin, 1998). The value of an education is significant because without one, it is clear that economic success is unlikely. There are different tools available to individuals to circumvent the existing rules of poverty. Poverty acts as a socialization and construct that inhibits success. However, there are different avenues to help children become aware and value their education. It is important that parents are not at the root of this debilitating socialization due in part to their ignorance as a result of poverty. Their elders should not be aware of the constructs developed against certain children and intimidate the children very easily and very soon (Baldwin, 1998). The rationale for this is simplistic. An education is valuable regardless of how it is attained. Whether it is attained through means that are simple or means that are complex, each form is valuable to the individual. Teachers are at the forefront of this issue, and are necessary to help facilitate change. From the perspective of an educator, it becomes clear that the value of an education is based heavily on their understanding of the value of an education. Teachers are meant to act as supervisors to the education of their pupils. While there are several barriers of entry that prohibit the growth of these children, teachers stand to still make an impact. Teachers are meant to use education as a process of bringing about ‘desirable’ changes in the way one thinks, feels and acts (Seshadri, 2005). A teacher who acts in this manner would be able to assist children who struggle and suffer at the hands of those who suggest that their poverty acts as a barrier of entry. While it is a barrier and a very difficult one to overcome, teachers must act as tools to appeal this dynamic. The value of an education is even more pronounced in what it can accomplish in a societal sense. That is, individuals who are educated tend to make more intellectual, social, emotional, aesthetic, moral and spiritual decisions which is naturally beneficial (Seshadri, 2005). Children who are given the opportunity to value education are in turn individuals who become better citizens of society. It becomes the project of society to entrust their future with their children. Education is not limited to just the children, but those who teach the children. Investments into a child’s education should start with the investments made into the teacher’s education. One of the major dynamics here becomes apparent when the teacher’s job is to raise their level of value consciousness, to stimulate them to think freely and critically to help improve their pupil’s sensibilities (Seshadri, 2005. The sensibilities of an individual is heavily dependent on what they can accomplish as individuals. It becomes more pronounced when seen in tandem with specific factors. Society today tends to overvalue certain factors over others, due mostly in part to how they perceive what is necessary for society. It has already been ascertained that society today functions due in part to the growing value placed on an education. Individuals are given opportunities to succeed, improve their livelihoods and change as a whole. Despite the difficult barriers of entry, education is meant to be a tool to improve and as such, should be valued. The value of an education is only as valuable to the extent that a society places on it. In countries like China and India, individuals sacrifice a great deal to provide these opportunities to their children. The same can be said about those who live in poverty in the United States, especially with people in the military. At the cost of their lives, they often secure their children’s futures. This should not be tolerated and it is clear that the barriers of entry for an improved education are no longer valid. There are concerns stemming from the fact that society today has perceived the value of an education differently than those without the same opportunity. Those who are aware of the constructs built against them develop attitudes that are not conducive to success. At its core, it is the responsibility of educators and politicians to help illicit a positive emotion regarding education. This is because at its core, education, despite its difficulties in regards to attainment, is one of the most significant tools to advance a society. Education can give a family hope, a society progress and at its core, an improvement on the quality of life. References Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Anzaldúa, G. (1999). Borderlands: La frontera. San Francisco: Aunt Lute Books. Baldwin, J. (1998). Collected essays. New York: Library of America. Childrensdefenseorg. (2015). Portrait of Inequality 2011 Black Children in America. Retrieved 4 December, 2015, from http://www.childrensdefense.org/campaigns/black-community-crusade-for-children-II/bccc-assets/portrait-of-inequality.pdf Childrensdefenseorg. (2015). Portrait of Inequality 2011 Hispanic Children in America. Retrieved 4 December, 2015, from http://www.childrensdefense.org/library/data/a-portrait-of-inequality-2012.pdf Duncan-Andrade, J. M. R. 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(2006). The effects of education quality on income growth and mortality decline. Cambridge, Mass: National Bureau of Economic Research. Karoly, L. A., & Gonzalez, G. C. (June 06, 2011). Early Care and Education for Children in Immigrant Families. Future of Children, 21, 1, 71-101. Lester, P., & Flake, E. (December 07, 2013). How Wartime Military Service Affects Children and Families. Future of Children, 23, 2, 121-141. Rouse, C. E., & Barrow, L. (August 24, 2006). U.S. Elementary and Secondary Schools: Equalizing Opportunity or Replicating the Status Quo?. The Future of Children, 16, 2, 99-123. Seshadri, C. (2005). An Approach to Value Orientation of Teachers’ Education. Journal Of Value Education, 1(2), 9-17. Solorzano, D. G., & Bernal, D. D. (May 01, 2001). Examining Transformational Resistance through a Critical Race and LatCrit Theory Framework: Chicana and Chicano Students in an Urban Context. Urban Education, 36, 3, 308-42. Bottom of Form Read More