Unveiling the New Class Conflict: Joel Kotkin's Analysis

In his thought-provoking book, The New Class Conflict, Joel Kotkin argues that we are witnessing the rise of a new class conflict that has far-reaching implications for our society. Kotkin contends that this new conflict is not based on traditional class lines of income or wealth, but rather on education and what he terms "credentialism."

Kotkin identifies the new class divide as being between those with a college degree and those without. He argues that college graduates have increasingly come to dominate the economy and society, while those without a college degree have been left behind. This divide is not only economic, but also social and cultural.

The New Class Conflict

by Joel Kotkin

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1844 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	230 pages
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Kotkin's analysis is supported by a wealth of data. He shows that the gap in earnings between college graduates and those without a college degree has been growing steadily over the past few decades. In 1979, college graduates earned 50% more than those with only a high school diploma. By 2019, that gap had grown to 83%. This gap is even greater for those with advanced degrees.

Kotkin also argues that this educational divide is not simply a matter of individual choice. He contends that the system is rigged against those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He points to the fact that children from wealthy families are much more likely to attend college than children from poor families. He also notes that the cost of college has been rising steadily for decades, making it increasingly difficult for those from modest backgrounds to afford a higher education.

The consequences of this new class conflict are far-reaching. Kotkin argues that it is leading to a more polarized society, with the college-educated elite increasingly isolated from the rest of society. He also contends that it is undermining our democracy, as those without a college degree are less likely to vote or participate in public life.

Kotkin's analysis is a timely and important one. It sheds light on a growing problem that is having a profound impact on our society. His book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing our society and find ways to address them.

Key Points

• The new class conflict is between those with a college degree and those without.
• This divide is not only economic, but also social and cultural.
• The gap in earnings between college graduates and those without a college degree has been growing steadily over the past few decades.
• The system is rigged against those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• The consequences of this new class conflict are far-reaching, including a more polarized society and a weakened democracy.

Further Reading

• The New Class Conflict by Joel Kotkin
• How the new class war really works by Derek Thompson
• The great class divide by Annie Lowrey

The New Class Conflict

by Joel Kotkin

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1844 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	230 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE