Neil Kraus

Challenging economic myths, declining returns on education, surplus of degree holders in low-wage jobs, and misleading narratives in labor shortages. Exploring the complexities of education, STEM job myths, decline of coding jobs, debunking the skills gap, and the role of organized labor in creating economic equality.

Neil Kraus, a Political Science Professor at the University of Wisconsin, reveals how decades of neoliberal policies have warped perceptions of education and the economy. He argues that the narrative of educational failure masks deeper social issues like wage stagnation and inequality, driven by corporate interests. Kraus critiques standardized testing and the education reform movement, urging a shift in how society views education—not as a neoliberal tool but as a vital social necessity. His insights challenge conventional views on economic opportunity and the true purpose of education.

Neil Kraus, a Political Science professor at the University of Wisconsin, explores the urgent themes of his book, 'The Fantasy Economy.' He critiques the long-standing belief that education is the sole pathway to economic opportunity, arguing this notion perpetuates wage stagnation and inequality. Kraus emphasizes that the education system is misrepresented by corporate interests, revealing the chaotic interplay between neoliberal policies and educational reform. He advocates for understanding education as a social necessity, aiming for a paradigm shift away from the flawed narratives surrounding the current economic landscape.