Anthony D'Costa: What categories? Categories change and the context of those categories matter. For argument's sake compare a janitor's life in the US with an Indian 'sweeper' today (equivalent category, but not really because of context). See who might be mobile and under what conditions?
----------- My post was clumsily worded. If someone whose parents are in the 'lowest' 10% gets some college and ends up in the (say) higher 50%, that's fine for that person. But it doesn't change the overall "inequality" of the society. And apparently in the period 1920- 1970 there were periods in which the nthe "rising tide" did raise all boats the "lowest 10%" while remaining the lowest 10% still ate better or got indoor toilets. Also, if employers start to demand more credentialing, the illusion is created that it is "more schooling" that allowed applicants to apply. I think back in the '30s you would see help wanted ads for (say) elevator operators which stated, high school degree required. It wasn't the schooling that got someone the job, it was the credentialzing -- and that doesn't create overall social equality. Carrol _______________________________________________ pen-l mailing list [email protected] https://lists.csuchico.edu/mailman/listinfo/pen-l
