Jon Shelton

Jon Shelton, Associate Professor and Chair of Democracy and Justice Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Vice President for Higher Education of the American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin, challenges the 'education myth' by arguing that education alone cannot overcome economic and social inequalities in society. They discuss the evolution of public education, the redefinition of 'human capital,' and the lack of significant change in wages despite the increase in college degrees. They also explore the value of education versus having a home for economic mobility.

Jon Shelton, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, tackles the misconceptions surrounding the belief that education alone can secure economic success. He discusses the historical context of public education’s role in fostering democracy and critiques the 'education myth' that has dominated political narratives since the 1960s. Shelton highlights how this myth has contributed to economic inequality and political polarization. He advocates for broader social reforms and a return to civic engagement in education, questioning the reliance on degrees as pathways to opportunity.

Jon Shelton, a professor and chair of democracy and justice studies at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, critiques the prevalent belief in the 'education myth'—the notion that education alone ensures economic success. He traces this idea's origins and its political embrace since the 1960s, culminating in systemic inequalities today. Shelton also explores the historical context of social democracy and how education has shifted from a tool for civic engagement to a means of individual success, impacting labor policies and community values.