Charles Murray Higher Education Summary

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In a 2008 article written for the American Enterprise Institute, the conservative political scientist Charles Murray argues that the university system has become far too democratized in the United States. For Murray, the mass influx of students from all socioeconomic levels, and all ranges of cognitive ability into American universities has not proven beneficial for our society. For one thing, Murray questions the value of a liberal arts education, which he believes can be sufficiently provided at the Kindergarten through Grade 8 level. Further, he argues that the expansion of access to higher education has led to degree inflation on the job market. American employers now expect all applicants for entry level jobs to possess, at minimum, a Bachelor's degree (page …show more content…
One of Murray's main issues with our contemporary cultural requirement for a four year degree is that not all people are cognitively ready to pursue such a course of study, nor do all Americans have the natural desire to do so. Murray notes that the majority of general education requirements at a typical university do not impart skills that have any practical value, nor are skills that most employers demand. Why Murray asks, is a young man or woman who states a preference to learn a skilled trade, such as electrical work, plumbing, or auto maintenance, excoriated as someone who is unmotivated and intellectually lazy? For one thing, a young person who successfully completes an electrician's apprenticeship. Will be unlikely to ever be out of work, and a successful electrician can earn a comfortable salary. Murray stated, "Seen dispassionately, getting a traditional liberal education over four years is an odd way to spend one's time"(page 240). With regards to this statement, and the current state of our economy, Murray has a valid
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