Education and Progress
In recent times we have heard about the reforms in México but one of the most popular or more mentioned has been the educational reform now that children are back to school I would like to try this topic from a different angle with two examples of progress abroad, I am referring to South Korea and Finland two nations from different continents and cultures but with one major in common Education.
South Korea a country preceded by a separation and then invaded by North Korea in 1950, now in 2016 with an estimated population of 50.8 million and a total area of 38,622.57 sq. mi which is mostly mountainous, and not arable was one of the world's fastest-growing from the early 1960s to the late 1990s.
On the other hand South Korea has been growing into a major economic force that is even challenging some Japanese industries. Its economy ranks 11th nominal and 13th purchasing power parity GDP in the world, identifying it as one of the G-20 major economies. It is a developed country with a high-income economy and is the most industrialized member country of the OECD and in 2014, South Korea was the 5th largest exporter and 7th largest importer in the world.
Education is a serious issue in the country, and holds a cultural status as a necessity for socioeconomic success in South Korean society. Academic success is determinant of socioeconomic status in the country by the promise of prestige white collar professional jobs with a large company such as LG or Samsung, or jobs within the public sector. Education is a recognized positive factor of social mobility for themselves and their family.
End of part 1
References
Sorensen, C. W. (1994). Success and education in South Korea. Comparative education review, 38(1), 10-35.
Amsden, A. H. (1992). Asia's next giant: South Korea and late industrialization. Oxford University Press on Demand.
