Conversation
by Adam | Tuesday 19 December 2006
Who Americans Are and What They Do, In Census Data
From The New York Times:
More than half of American households owned stocks and mutual funds in 2005. The 91 million individuals in those households had a median age of 51 and a median household income of $65,000. That might help explain a shift in what college freshmen described as their primary personal objectives. In 1970, 79 percent said their goal was developing a meaningful philosophy of life. By 2005, 75 percent said their primary objective was to be financially very well off.
Any thoughts?
Comments (6)
This doesn't necessarily mean that college-bound people believe less in "developing a meaningful philosohpy of life." College has become a more normal process since 1970 so the objectives are naturally going to be different. Plus there is a lot more pressure.
Posted by Ben | 20 December @ 14:51
In addition to the above comment, also consider that, in 1970 these kids were coming out of the "Flower-Power" era - and so their priorities were naturally inclined to be focused on matters of personal philosophy and fulfilment. Today, most in America equate financial gain with happiness, and indeed, money does seem to facilitate most things. I'd say more, but really, who cares? College freshman don't know their rear-ends from a hole in the ground. And I should know, I was one, once.
Posted by Otter425 | 21 December @ 14:22
Did either of you enter college with the primary objective to be financially well off?
I know you both, I don't think so. I remember when yall were idealists...I remember when yall used to be chill (man).
woo. go 60s.
Posted by Adam | 22 December @ 10:53
No idealism here, man. I was thinking that a college degree would facilitate my getting paid more (as a result of getting a better job), but my primary goal going into college was to be as lazy, apathetic and generally entertained as possible (think a mostly sober Jeff Spicoli...on second thought, don't) - so I took up eating, drinking, and especially philosophy (among other things) and am pleased to report accomplishing all of my stated goals.
Dude. Where's Jerry?
Posted by Otter425 | 4 January @ 14:34
Two things. First of all, college has to pay off fiscally because the cost of college, and cost of living has soared in comparison to wages. The average college grad leaves school with over 20K in student loan debt and another 2k in credit card debt. You can become very fiscally minded very quickly when you start burning through that much money. Furthermore, most jobs suck. The sooner you can make your money the sooner (most people think) you can live life on your own terms. This is something college freshman understand because their parents (Who are paying the exorbitant tuition) inform them that they'd better major in something that pays off. In the 1970's most kids paid next to nothing for an education or went to school on the GI bill.
Secondly, it's also a question of social norms. In the era of MTV Cribs and such it's socially acceptable to admit that you want to be rich. Such obvious social climbing desires wasn't as acceptable a generation ago.
Posted by anon | 6 January @ 21:25
Thank you anon. I wanted someone business (or rationally) minded to drop something in on this. Who are you? Drop me a line.
Posted by Adam | 9 January @ 20:34