Figure 1.--New Zealand students have not always valued academics as nuch as student in other western countries. This attitude is changing as academic skills are becomingh increasingly necessary in the developing new economy. |
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New Zealand as a nation has not been noted for affording great prestige to intelectual pursuits. Like America and other pioneering scocities, intelectuals purdsuitsd in New Zealand, have been looked down on and regarded with some suspicion. It is brawny Rugby player or hard working farmer that was highly regarded. Until after World War II, most boys did not go to highschool. The general attitude toward education was that not a great deal was needed. A work ethic and a strong back was what was required by the early settlers.
The days when a strong back could earn a good living are long past. The ability to get a good job in the increasingly competitive modern economy hinges on succes in increasingly demanding intelectual pursuits. Increasingly individuals require more sophisticated training to secure well-paying jobs with futures. A generation ago an individual with limited academic or technical skills could find a job to support a family. This is becoming increasingly difficult. A solid academic grounding is now required for even many basic entry-level jobs.
A variety of factors have caused employers to seek better educated employees.
Many jobs are much more complicated. A few years ago an automobile mechanic primarily faced problems with the internal combustion engine. Modern cars are much more complicated mechanically and many have complex electronic systems.
Many companies have shifted manual, labor intensive operations to low-wage countries. The impact has been to lower real wages for unskilled workers in New Zealand and other countries.
Several Asian countries are rapidly developing modern economies and developing effective education systems. As a result, New Zealand companies face increasing competition from well capitalized companies employing an increasingly skilled labor force.
Deeply held attitudes change slowly. Attitudes toward education in New Zealand, however, changed significantly over the past generation. In a country which prides itself on the practical, this is probably in largecmeasure because young people see the need for an education to pursue their career goals.
