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Academy of Ideas

#EducationForum: Exploring Head, Hand, Heart by David Goodhart

Jan 6, 2021
David Goodhart, social commentator and author of Head, Hand, Heart, discusses the rise of the cognitive elite and the undervaluing of non-cognitive skills in society. He explores the importance of including manual and technical skills in education and the consequences of prioritizing university education. The podcast also delves into the changing role of education in the age of automation, the categorization of skills and early labeling, and the politics of head-oriented education. The speakers emphasize the need for a well-rounded education that values both academic and vocational skills.
01:43:32

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The education system's focus on academic ability has devalued practical skills and care work, leading to a surplus of overeducated and underused individuals in the job market.
  • Prioritizing academic education has resulted in a decline in mental health and political engagement as individuals feel frustrated and disillusioned by the narrow path to success.

Deep dives

The Shift from Vocational to Academic Education

Goodhart argues that there has been a shift in education towards prioritizing cognitive or academic ability, neglecting practical skills and care work. He suggests that this shift has led to an overemphasis on university degrees and a devaluation of vocational and technical skills. This has resulted in a surplus of overeducated and underused individuals in the job market.

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