Lecture 3 Human Capital Theory 4
Lecture 3 Human Capital Theory 4
Lecture 3 Human Capital Theory 4
DEVELOPMENT
Capital
Theory •
•Pro-Human Capital Theory: "Investing in education and skills
development is the most effective way to enhance individual
productivity and economic growth, as suggested by human
capital theory."
•Critical of Human Capital Theory: "Human capital theory
overly simplifies the relationship between education and
economic success, failing to account for structural inequalities
and access to opportunities."
•Economic angle: "Human capital theory justifies public
Debate
•Alternate View on Value: "Human capital theory reduces
education to an economic tool, undermining the intrinsic value of
knowledge and personal development."
•Economic Growth Perspective: "Education is the most valuable investment for human
capital development, as it directly contributes to economic growth by creating a more skilled
and productive workforce."
•Social Mobility Perspective: "Investing in education promotes social mobility, empowering
individuals from all backgrounds to develop their human capital and break the cycle of
poverty."
•Public vs. Private Responsibility: "Education as an investment in human capital should
primarily be a public responsibility, as it benefits society as a whole and reduces inequalities
in access to opportunities."
•Skills Mismatch Perspective: "Despite education being an investment in human capital,
there is a growing mismatch between educational outcomes and labor market demands,
suggesting the need for better alignment between curricula and skills needed."
•Lifelong Learning Perspective: "Viewing education as a lifelong investment in human
capital development encourages continuous skill acquisition, adaptability, and personal
growth in an ever-evolving economy."
•Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Value of Education: "While education is indeed an investment
in human capital development, its true value lies beyond economic gain, fostering critical
thinking, citizenship, and personal fulfillment."
1. The idea
2. The background
3. The theory
4. Education as investment in
Contents human capital
5. Individual returns of the
investment in education
6. Criticism of the human capital
theory
The
Background
The background
• Modernization: the process by which
agrarian societies are transformed into
industrial ones
More working women > it is more difficult to find a job for the less
educated (of both sexes)
The background
Global Labor
Competition:
Outsourcing and
offshoring increase,
intensifying
competition and
affecting wage levels.
Definition of human capital
The Key Components of the and policymakers play a crucial role in human
capital development. They are responsible for
creating an environment that fosters access to
Human beings seen as • Related to the theories of Adam Smith and Karl Marx
capital goods
Direct investment in
education and health results
in economic development
Human capital theory considers Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations emphasized labor as a central force in
skills, knowledge, and abilities of creating wealth, advocating for the investment in education to enhance worker
individuals as “capital” that can productivity.
increase productivity, much like
machines or tools. He argued that skilled labor improves output quality and quantity, benefiting both
individuals and society, thus viewing human skills as a form of “productive capital.”
This perspective views people’s
capabilities as assets that can be Karl Marx’s Perspective (Critique of Capitalism)
invested in and improved
through education and training, Marx, in his analysis of capitalism, saw labor as a source of value but argued that
generating economic returns. capitalism treats workers as instruments for profit rather than individuals with
intrinsic value.
He highlighted the commodification of labor, where workers’ skills and effort are
seen as inputs to be exploited for capital gain, often leading to alienation and
exploitation.
For Marx, seeing humans as “capital” reflects capitalist priorities, where profit is
valued over worker welfare and dignity.
•Prestige in Occupation
•Prestigious jobs typically require higher education.
•Nationality does not influence the prestige of a job.
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Transformation of work 2
8
Peter Drucker's Examination of Work
Changes
•Peter Drucker analyzed how work has
evolved and its impact on productivity.
•He concluded that people today “work
smarter” due to:
• Technological innovations
• Improved utilization of knowledge
• Shifts in the nature of work
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9
Transformation of Labor Force
3
0
Research has shown that changes in the labor market, such as the rise of skilled jobs and
the decline of unskilled positions, can significantly impact job satisfaction outcomes. Here
are some key findings from various studies:
3
Skill Utilization: Studies indicate that individuals who can use their skills and knowledge in their
1
jobs report higher levels of job satisfaction. For instance, a study published in the Journal of
Applied Psychology found that employees who feel their skills are well-utilized tend to be more
satisfied with their work.
Job Complexity: Research by Hackman and Oldham on the Job Characteristics Model suggests
that jobs that are more complex and offer variety lead to greater job satisfaction. When changes in
the workforce shift towards more complex, skill-based roles, employees often experience increased
satisfaction due to the challenging nature of their work.
Job Security: Changes in labor markets can also affect perceptions of job security, which is
closely linked to job satisfaction. According to a study published in the European Journal of Work
and Organizational Psychology, employees with stable jobs feel more satisfied than those in
precarious employment situations.
Diversity and Inclusion: Changes that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace have
been associated with higher job satisfaction. A study in the Journal of Business and Psychology
found that inclusive workplaces lead to greater employee morale and satisfaction.
Transform of work and education
related to
• Industrial revolution changed
education from being a luxury
to being necessary
Transformati • Many nations put heavy
emphasis on higher education
on in for all
• Questions over whether school
Education matter
• Test scores show many with
lack functional abilities
• Allocate monies does not
guarantee better results
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2
Does Education Pay?
Rationale Behind the Question
The question of whether education pays arises from several
factors:
•High Rewards in Skilled Blue-Collar Jobs - Many skilled
blue-collar jobs offer competitive salaries and benefits.
•Devaluation of College Degrees - The perceived value of a
college degree has diminished over time, leading to concerns
about its return on investment.
•Increase in College Graduates- The percentage of
individuals obtaining college degrees has risen substantially,
contributing to a more competitive job market.
•Impact of Education Inflation-The progress of disadvantaged
groups is often undermined by the inflation of educational
requirements, making it harder for them to achieve upward
mobility.
•Credentialing Necessity-While the quality of education may
not have improved significantly, the increasing demand for
formal credentials has made obtaining a degree more vital for
employment.
•Education and Lifelong Learning-The relationship between
education and lifelong learning underscores the evolving nature
of skills and qualifications needed in the workforce.
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3
Social Change: Development and Global
Inequality
3
4
Internal Sources of
Social Change
•1. Innovations
•New Technology: Innovations arise as a response to
technological changes, driving shifts in how society
operates.
•New Culture: The idea of progress influences
societal expectations and values, fostering cultural
evolution.
•New Social Structures: Changes in social structures,
including specialization and evolving gender roles,
contribute to social transformation.
•2. Conflict
•Socialmovements and intergroup tensions often act
as catalysts for change, highlighting disparities and
pushing for reforms.
•3. Growth
•Population growth, in particular, can drive
significant social changes, affecting resources,
services, and societal dynamics.
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5
ROLE OF EDUCATION
AS AN INVESTMENT IN
HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION AS INVESTMENT OF HUMAN
CAPITAL
3
9
ROLE OF EDUCATION
IN HUMAN CAPITAL
DEVELOPMENT
Contribute to
personal social
Realizing
development
human potential
and reduce
social inequality
Increase the
productivity and
Developing a
creativity
high-quality
among formers
assessment
and facilitated
system
structural
transformation
Strengthening
Technological
lifelong learning
change and the
for skills
future of work
enhancement
Enhance better
Increase the
student
capacity and
outcomes and
mental
institutional
efficiency
excellence
Education as investment in human capital
Education is a basic
component of social,
1. Fundamental Role in economic, and political
Development development, laying the
groundwork for a
prosperous society.
Education contributes to
economic growth, as
highlighted by economists
3. Contribution to Economic like Adam Smith (1776) and
Growth Wheeler (1980), who
emphasized its role in
improving productivity and
fostering innovation.
Education as investment
in human capital
1. Investment in Education
Investing in education is essential for fostering
national economic growth (Marris, 1982).
Education offers a significantly higher return rate than
investments in physical capital, with most economic
growth stemming from investments in education
(Schultz, 1963).
• 1. Education as an Investment
• Education is an investment for both
students and their families.
• 2. Variability of the Income Gap
• The income gap varies throughout an
individual's life cycle; it is not constant.
• 3. Age-Earning Profiles
• For example, in Thailand, age-earning
profiles illustrate how income levels
change with age and education,
highlighting the importance of
education in enhancing earning
potential over time.
Individual returns of the
investment in education
• BUT…
• 1. The Ability Factor
• Highly educated individuals often possess the skills,
self-discipline, and motivation necessary to achieve
higher salaries.
• Investment or consumption?
It is not appropriate to regard expenditure for
education as an investment
Criticism of the human capital
theory
Nobody
It is not the
knowledge and
skills of humans but Education is a channel of social reproduction (Bourdieu & Passeron,
credentialism in the 1990)
society what has
increased
Criticism of the human
capital theory
Overemphasis on Individual
Responsibility: Critics argue that
the theory places too much focus
on individuals and overlooks
structural factors like inequality,
access to education, or job market
conditions.
Challeng
ADDRESSING ENSURING THE
DISPARITIES IN QUALITY OF
ACCESS TO EDUCATION,
es and
EDUCATION, INCLUDING UPDATED
ESPECIALLY IN CURRICULA AND
MARGINALIZED SKILLED TEACHERS, IS
COMMUNITIES, IS ESSENTIAL FOR
CRUCIAL FOR
INCLUSIVE HUMAN
CAPITAL
MEANINGFUL HUMAN
CAPITAL INVESTMENT. Solutions
DEVELOPMENT.
LIFELONG GOVERNMENT
LEARNING: POLICIES:
ENCOURAGING GOVERNMENTS PLAY A
LIFELONG LEARNING VITAL ROLE IN
OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPLEMENTING
CONTINUOUS SKILL POLICIES THAT
DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTE EDUCATION,
ESPECIALLY IN THE ENSURING IT IS
FACE OF EVOLVING AFFORDABLE,
TECHNOLOGIES, IS ACCESSIBLE, AND OF
NECESSARY. HIGH QUALITY.