Educational Attainment and Political Affiliation: MYths and Realities
The Role of Education in Political Affiliation
When one examines the educational backgrounds of political affiliations, it is often a complex and multifaceted issue rather than a simple comparison of who is smarter. The question, ‘What is the ratio of college graduates that are Republican versus Democrat,’ can lead to misunderstandings and stereotypes about the intelligence and capabilities of individuals based on their political beliefs.
Educational Attainment vs. Practical Knowledge
Does a college professor with a thesis on "the role of English monarchs in the development of modern art" necessarily have a deeper understanding or greater intelligence than a mechanic or a farmer? The answer is no, as the relevance of their knowledge differs greatly. The professor’s expertise may not be immediately applicable to practical tasks such as fixing a carburetor or planning crop management. Similarly, a mechanic or farmer might have practical skills and insights that are not taught in academic settings.
The question also shifts focus away from the relevance of the knowledge to daily lives. In many cases, knowledge that is not directly applicable to one's immediate needs does not make a person 'smarter' in a practical sense. The ability to apply knowledge to real-world problems is often what truly matters.
Political Shifts and Educational Attainment
The distribution of educational attainment among political affiliations has shown significant shifts over the years. The Democratic Party has increasingly become a party of educated individuals, including both college and non-college-educated racial/ethnic minorities. In contrast, the Republican Party has seen a decline in the percentage of college-educated whites, peaking in 2008.
This shift aligns with broader societal trends. College-educated whites no longer dominate the Republican Party as they once did. The emergence of politicians like Lauren Boebert, a member who had to pass a GED test multiple times, highlights this trend. Boebert's educational background is indicative of a broader shift toward less formal education among Republican voters.
Interestingly, while 95% of Democrats and 93% of Republicans in the House hold at least a bachelor's degree, Democrats are more likely to have completed a graduate degree (73% vs. 55%). The gap widens in Congress, further emphasizing the differences in educational attainment. Additionally, 14 of the 22 representatives without a college degree are Republicans, illustrating the diversity in educational backgrounds within both parties.
Definitions of High Education
Defining what constitutes a highly educated individual is also crucial. A bachelor's degree alone doesn't automatically make an individual smarter or more capable. There are many factors that contribute to an individual's worth, such as their experience, skills, and the relevance of what they know to their daily lives or professions.
For example, a barista with an art history degree and substantial student debt might not be as financially burdened as an electrician without school debt and significant experience. The electrician's skills and practical experience can make them equally, if not more, valuable. The societal need for each professional also means that the president's decision to prioritize student debt forgiveness for baristas over truck loans for electricians cannot be based solely on educational attainment.
Conclusion
Understanding the educational landscape and political affiliations requires a nuanced perspective. While the educational background of individuals can influence their political choices, it does not necessarily reflect their intelligence or societal value. The real question should be, 'Who is contributing the most to society and why?' This perspective underscores the importance of recognizing the multifaceted nature of human capability and the value of practical skills and experiences over just academic achievements.