265 | John Skrentny on How the Economy Mistreats STEM Workers
Feb 5, 2024
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John Skrentny, Professor of Sociology at UC San Diego and author of *Wasted Education*, sheds light on the turbulent post-graduation experiences of STEM workers. He emphasizes the disconnect between the idealized STEM career path and the harsh reality of job instability and exploitation in the tech economy. The discussion critiques the illusion of labor shortages in STEM fields, comparing industry practices to fast fashion. Skrentny advocates for a reevaluation of capitalist priorities while highlighting the need for continuous education to navigate a challenging job market.
STEM workers often face a precarious employment situation, where their skills become quickly outdated and they can be easily replaced by newer graduates.
STEM workers are often subjected to the illusion of passion and exploited for their genuine enthusiasm for their field, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction.
STEM workers are undervalued and exploited, often facing uncertain job prospects, overwork, and inadequate compensation, highlighting the need for a more equitable and supportive work environment in STEM careers.
Deep dives
STEM Jobs: A Mismatch of Shortages and Treatment
Despite claims of a shortage of STEM graduates, the actual data shows that only a minority of STEM degree holders work in STEM jobs. This raises the puzzling question of why there is a perceived shortage. In reality, STEM workers often face a precarious employment situation, where their skills become quickly outdated and they can be easily replaced by newer graduates. Employers, particularly in the tech industry, tend to treat STEM workers as disposable, engaging in a "burn and churn" approach where workers are exploited for their enthusiasm and then replaced when their skills are no longer current. Additionally, there is a cultural practice in American capitalism that values short-term shareholder value over worker well-being, leading to a focus on cost reduction and a lack of investment in training and development. These factors contribute to a less-than-ideal work environment for STEM graduates, who often face overwork, exploitative practices, and limited job security.
The Illusion of Passion in STEM Jobs
STEM workers are often subjected to the illusion of passion and exploited for their genuine enthusiasm for their field. Employers take advantage of employees' passion by expecting long hours, unpaid overtime, and high productivity without proper compensation. The prevailing belief is that passionate workers will be satisfied with the opportunity to work in their desired field, regardless of the negative work environment. This leads to burnout and dissatisfaction among STEM workers, undermining the notion that STEM jobs are fulfilling and rewarding.
The Downsides of STEM Careers
STEM workers face various downsides in their careers. The expectation to constantly update their skills and keep up with rapidly evolving technologies adds pressure and stress. Lack of job security is a significant concern, as STEM workers can easily become obsolete and be replaced by newer graduates or outsourced labor. Additionally, the work environment in STEM fields can be intense, with long working hours and demanding schedules during product delivery deadlines. These challenges contribute to a less-than-ideal work-life balance and can negatively impact the well-being and job satisfaction of STEM professionals.
The Dichotomy of Scarcity and Treatment in STEM
Despite claims of a shortage of STEM graduates, the treatment of STEM workers by employers does not align with this perception. STEM workers are undervalued and exploited, often facing uncertain job prospects, overwork, and inadequate compensation. The emphasis on short-term shareholder value and cost reduction encourages a disposable workforce where employees are easily replaced. This mismatch between the perceived scarcity and the treatment of STEM workers raises questions about the true motivations behind the rhetoric of shortage and highlights the need for a more equitable and supportive work environment in STEM careers.
Balancing work expectations and burnout
Workers in STEM fields often take on excessive workloads and promise ambitious outcomes to meet high expectations and performance evaluations. This can lead to overwork and burnout as they struggle to keep up with the demands and develop necessary skills. Younger workers may be more resilient to this constant pressure, while older workers often face challenges in maintaining work-life balance due to family responsibilities. Even in high-paying and tech-focused companies, STEM workers are often subjected to intense deadlines and pressures, despite expectations of favorable treatment.
Moral dilemmas and challenges in STEM industries
STEM workers sometimes face moral dilemmas and concerns about the impact of their work. For instance, social media platforms like Facebook have been criticized for promoting disinformation and causing social harm. Workers may feel conflicted and have ethical reservations about their involvement in such practices. Similarly, the development of technologies like targeted advertising and engagement algorithms can lead to negative consequences, such as exacerbating divisions and encouraging emotional manipulation. Addressing these moral challenges may require legal regulations, investor responsibility, and a broader societal consideration of the goals and consequences of STEM innovations.
Universities and their students are constantly being encouraged to produce more graduates majoring in STEM fields -- science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. That's the kind of training that will get you a rewarding job, students are told, while at the policy level it is emphasized how STEM workers are needed to drive innovation and growth. In his new book Wasted Education, sociologist John Skrentny points out that the post-graduation trajectories of STEM graduates are more likely to involve being chewed up and spit out by the tech economy than to end up with stable long-term careers. We talk about why that's the case and what might be done about it.
John Skrentny received his Ph.D. in sociology from Harvard University. He is currently Professor of Sociology at UC San Diego, and has previously served as the Co-Director of the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies and Director of the Yankelovich Center for Social Science Research.
