- Capitalism and Alternatives -

Ive done my Bolivian poetry BA now I want $$$

In Reply to: The New Proletariat posted by R Rockliff on September 10, 1999 at 21:53:17:

: The new proletariat is an emerging class (I do not necessarily endorse any particular class theories when I use this term) which, unlike the traditional proletariat, is generally highly educated. This new, and ever growing, class consists of those who are highly educated (in disciplines that are not valued by capitalist societies) but are nevertheless quickly trapped into a form of wage slavery soon after graduation, usually making even less than traditional "blue collar" workers, but unlike the blue collar workers they have the added burden of the expense of their education to pay off. The new proletariat generally works in clerical positions with very long hours for very low wages with very poor benefits, while trying to manage the debt incurred
by their education.

It certainly is an interesting analysis. Its not realy that new though. The 'noble intellectual' who didnt stoop to learning engineering / accounting / software writing or any of those horrid things that get you a job.

The key phrase was "in disciplines that are not valued by capitalist societies", such as a BA in Bolivian poetry perhaps? Where there is little demand for the knowledge except among some people with convergent interests. I think the concept would have been more convincing if the phrase was "who endeavoured to study in subjects that would not lead to high payed employment". This makes it more realisticially a matter of choice for the prospective student, to gather knowledge about what happens post study, and which skills are likely to result in which jobs / salaries. Then we can observe the student not as valient but doomed rebel against capitlaism, but merely as someone who chose from a menu what to study.

Follow Ups:

• Study something you're interested in, why not Samuel Day Fassbinder Citizens for Mustard Greens USA September 16 1999 (8)
  • whoring! ridiculous. Gee si September 16 1999 (7)
    • 'If you're so smart, they why aren't you rich?' R Rockliff September 17 1999 (3)
      • wrong Gee si September 27 1999 (0)
      • And where can I get some of that good money? Samuel Day Fassbinder Citizens for Mustard Greens USA September 20 1999 (1)
        • go on then Gee si September 27 1999 (0)
    • That's what you said. Samuel Day Fassbinder Citizens for Mustard Greens USA September 16 1999 (2)
      • nothing like it, here is a choice. Gee si September 16 1999 (1)
        • Bolivian poetry ain't such a bad choice after all. Quincunx September 20 1999 (0)
• Then go and apply at the Cato Institute Quincunx September 16 1999 (1)
  • mimickry Gee si September 16 1999 (0)