Learning to Save the Future

Rethinking Education and Work in an Era of Digital Capitalism

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching
Cover of the book Learning to Save the Future by Alexander J. Means, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alexander J. Means ISBN: 9781315450186
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 9, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Alexander J. Means
ISBN: 9781315450186
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 9, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Mainstream economists and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs claim that unfettered capitalism and digital technology can unlock a future of unbounded prosperity, create endless high paying jobs, and solve the world’s vast social and ecological problems. Realizing this future of abundance purportedly rests in the transformation of human potential into innovative human capital through new 21st century forms of education.In this new book Alex Means challenges this view. Stagnating economic growth and runaway inequality have emerged as the ‘normal’ condition of advanced capitalism. Simultaneously, there has been a worldwide educational expansion and a growing surplus of college-educated workers relative to their demand in the world economy. This surplus is complicated by an emerging digital revolution driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning that generates worker displacing innovations and immaterial forms of labor and valorization.

Learning to Save the Future argues that rather than fostering mass intellectuality, educational development is being constrained by a value structure subordinated to 21st century capitalism and technology. Human capabilities from creativity, design, engineering, to communication are conceived narrowly as human capital, valued in terms of economic productivity and growth. Similarly, global problems such as the erosion of employment and climate change are conceived as educational problems to be addressed through business solutions and the digitalization of education. This thought-provoking account provides a cognitive map of this condition, offering alternatives through critical analyses of education and political economy, technology and labor, creativity and value, power and ecology.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Mainstream economists and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs claim that unfettered capitalism and digital technology can unlock a future of unbounded prosperity, create endless high paying jobs, and solve the world’s vast social and ecological problems. Realizing this future of abundance purportedly rests in the transformation of human potential into innovative human capital through new 21st century forms of education.In this new book Alex Means challenges this view. Stagnating economic growth and runaway inequality have emerged as the ‘normal’ condition of advanced capitalism. Simultaneously, there has been a worldwide educational expansion and a growing surplus of college-educated workers relative to their demand in the world economy. This surplus is complicated by an emerging digital revolution driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning that generates worker displacing innovations and immaterial forms of labor and valorization.

Learning to Save the Future argues that rather than fostering mass intellectuality, educational development is being constrained by a value structure subordinated to 21st century capitalism and technology. Human capabilities from creativity, design, engineering, to communication are conceived narrowly as human capital, valued in terms of economic productivity and growth. Similarly, global problems such as the erosion of employment and climate change are conceived as educational problems to be addressed through business solutions and the digitalization of education. This thought-provoking account provides a cognitive map of this condition, offering alternatives through critical analyses of education and political economy, technology and labor, creativity and value, power and ecology.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book An Oak Tree by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book Common Core Literacy Lesson Plans by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book The Modernization of Rural France by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book HW0188 Engineering Communication I by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book Energy and the Social Sciences by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book The Geopolitics of South Asia: From Early Empires to the Nuclear Age by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book International Encyclopedia of Men and Masculinities by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book Religion and Irreligion in Victorian Society by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book Alcohol, Drinking, Drunkenness by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book Developmental Disorders by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book Mercenaries, Hybrid Armies and National Security by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book New Directions in Human Associative Learning by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book Learning Through Problem Solving by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book Conscience and Convenience by Alexander J. Means
Cover of the book Studies in Ancient Society (Routledge Revivals) by Alexander J. Means
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy