In order to compare the views of our generation to those of previous generations, we interviewed ten adults who are already cemented in the workforce or are retired. These adults ranged from their late thirties to early seventies, with most being in their late forties or early fifties. We had interviewed many more of our peers than adults primarily due to the vast access we have to students as compared to adults; however, our samples reflect our statistics which will be shown in the next post. Of the adults we interviewed, four went to college and the other six went into the work force, with one of those being in the military.
The majority of the adults said that they were not faced with pressure to attend college, but it was implicitly expected. For these adults, college was viewed as the only option. Although they would not have been frowned upon if they did not conform, most adults felt they simply were not given much information on routes besides college. A few felt pressure from their peers because almost all of their friends either did or did not go to college. Also most of the adults agreed that around 35 - 45% of their peers went to college with the highest being 65%(1995 graduate) and the lowest being 5%(1955 graduate). However, some of the older adults were on the opposite end of the spectrum. Of the four grandparents we interviewed, only one had a college education. The other three were inherently part of the family duties and were expected to get just enough education to get a decent job to help support the family. This massive change in just one generation is hard to explain. However, as sociologists we tried to explain this phenomena as best as possible. First off, these three degree-less adults grew up in very financially tight households. This could lead to more pressure to start earning money to help support a family, rather than having to spend it on an education. Also, the lack of technology and communication limited most of the young adults to local jobs that usually didn’t require much education. Therefore, the popular view was "why waste four years and a lot of money on education which is not a necessity."
We asked the adults about their views on education. They unanimously agreed that a college education allows young adults more access to white collar jobs and higher salaries. It also is an important life experience that allows them to mature and grow and to figure out what they want to do in life. This serves as both a rite of passage and a resume builder, which is a win-win situation in the eyes of those who have “been there, and done that.”
The majority of the adults said that they were not faced with pressure to attend college, but it was implicitly expected. For these adults, college was viewed as the only option. Although they would not have been frowned upon if they did not conform, most adults felt they simply were not given much information on routes besides college. A few felt pressure from their peers because almost all of their friends either did or did not go to college. Also most of the adults agreed that around 35 - 45% of their peers went to college with the highest being 65%(1995 graduate) and the lowest being 5%(1955 graduate). However, some of the older adults were on the opposite end of the spectrum. Of the four grandparents we interviewed, only one had a college education. The other three were inherently part of the family duties and were expected to get just enough education to get a decent job to help support the family. This massive change in just one generation is hard to explain. However, as sociologists we tried to explain this phenomena as best as possible. First off, these three degree-less adults grew up in very financially tight households. This could lead to more pressure to start earning money to help support a family, rather than having to spend it on an education. Also, the lack of technology and communication limited most of the young adults to local jobs that usually didn’t require much education. Therefore, the popular view was "why waste four years and a lot of money on education which is not a necessity."
We asked the adults about their views on education. They unanimously agreed that a college education allows young adults more access to white collar jobs and higher salaries. It also is an important life experience that allows them to mature and grow and to figure out what they want to do in life. This serves as both a rite of passage and a resume builder, which is a win-win situation in the eyes of those who have “been there, and done that.”
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