Labor Studies: Redefining a College Education

Abstract

College does not always help you. It does not guarantee you the job that you want, or even a good paying one. Why spend thousands of dollars (on college tuition) when you could be working and making thousands instead? Student, The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies (personal communication, March 7, 2012)There are many fields of work and labor that don't require a four year education. This however doesn't mean that some sort of education beyond high school isn't necessary. For starters, even manual labor is better performed with an education behind it, but it goes further than that. It is important to have an understanding of the world around you. Not having a thorough education sets you at a disadvantage against everyone else because education is important to defend yourself politically and socially. Student, The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies (personal communication, March 7, 2012)For me college is a way to do the critical thinking I'll need to accomplish moving my family out of poverty. Student, The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies (personal communication, March 7, 2012)The above comments were written by our students, all members of a New York City-based building trade union, in response to a statement made by former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum during the recent Republican 67 7

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