In today's episode, IFTF's Executive Director Marina Gorbis talks with 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. They discuss Jon’s new book, “The Education Myth,” which challenges the idea that education is a solution to all economic and social inequalities in society. Instead, Jon argues that we need to focus on other policy levers and reforms in addition to education. We hope you'll enjoy this conversation.

Quote: “The ‘education myth’ is the idea that education and, more specifically, investment in human capital can magically overcome all of the other economic and social inequalities that exist in our society.”

Mentioned in this episode:

The Education Myth, Jon Shelton (https://bit.ly/3LrBJAP)

The Fantasy Economy, Neil Kraus (https://bit.ly/3Nixitk)

The Education of Blacks in the South 1860-1935, James D. Anderson (https://bit.ly/3ouAGaf)

Teacher Strike! Public Education and the Making of a New American Political Order, Jon Shelton (https://bit.ly/3V6cCHe)

Thinking Like an Economist, Elizabeth Popp Berman (https://bit.ly/3LbY3xg)

Knocking on Labor's Door, Lane Windham (https://bit.ly/3V0uwel)

Don't Blame Us, Lily Geismer (https://bit.ly/41BmQBM)

The Race between Education and Technology, Claudia Goldin & Lawrence F. Katz (https://bit.ly/3LpnVaa)

The Meritocracy Trap, Daniel Markovits (https://bit.ly/3L8pkQW) 

The Tyranny of Merit, Michael Sandel (https://bit.ly/3N5JgGR)

Future Now 004 — The Education Myth with Jon Shelton

Renowned economist and author Daron Acemoglu discusses insights and revelations from his latest book, "Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity," with IFTF Executive Director Marina Gorbis. The conversation explores the intricate relationship between technology, economic growth, and societal well-being, examining how innovations have shaped prosperity throughout history.

Future Now 012   — Daron Acemoglu on the future of work and AI

Brought to you by the visionary minds at Institute for the Future, this captivating series delves deep into the ever-evolving landscapes of science, technology, and culture. In each episode, IFTF's distinguished researchers engage in riveting conversations with the world's most innovative scientists, engineers, trailblazers, and thought leaders, who are redefining the course of our collective future - here and now. 

In this season, "Future Now" shines a spotlight on the bold endeavors to revolutionize enterprise and business practices. Our gripping discussions explore the pursuit of more humane, inclusive, and equitable outcomes, providing you with an exclusive front-row seat to the breakthroughs that will define tomorrow.

Future Now 012 — Daron Acemoglu on the future of work and AI

Future Now - Institute for the Future

Related tracks