Ten most educated countries

[peony]

I ran across this site. The ten most educated countries in the world.

247wallst.com/2012/01/31/the-10-most-educated-countries-in-the-world/2/

I was surprised to see South Korea.

[westender]

"...Unlike most of the countries with the highest percentage of educated adults, the UK’s educated group increased measurably — more than 4% between 1999 and 2009."
This is not necessarily a good thing... that's when the rot set in.

Would be good to have a breakdown of the figures for the countries within the UK...

And Australia comes above the UK in the list, oh the mortification...

[ozneil]

you should be used to that by now ;D

[Deleted]

You'll not find me dissing the principle of education.
But you might well find me questioning the breadth and scope of it in our institutes of academia.

It's INSANE to try to measure IQ and ability simply by exam results alone.

Every single person on this forum knows fine well you can be trained in the art of passing academic exams but still be a less than rounded, employable human being.

Comparing 'league tables' is futile. Teach the basics of literacy and numeracy, of course. But is it not far better to play to the skills, talents and interests of individuals and how they put them to best use in future employment?

[peony]

Oh, Westie, is being behind OZ mortifies you - we are behind Canada, FFS.

Rolo, I'm not sure being "educated" in this survey means that much, we still have a very high infant mortality rate and a short life span for an industrialized nation.

[Deleted]

I didn't know that, Peony, it's quite shocking actually.

What are the reasons for that? I'm wondering if the vast differences in healthcare are an issue?

Here in Glasgow for example, even WITH the NHS free at the point of delivery, the life span can vary by 10 or more years from one area to the one practically next door.

It's a puzzle that's currently taxing some very good brains indeed.
Various theories abound; from lifestyle choices (or lack of) to genetics to (interestingly and importantly IMV) serious research into Vitamin D deficiency.

[peony]

I just read that this years tweens will be the first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. We are awash in sloth, greed, gluttony, and stress. It's killing us.

I'm not sure anyone knows why the infant death rate is so high, but it's generally agreed that its inequal access to health care, since the rate is higher among minorities and those who live in poverty.

It's a real shame and, as you said, shocking. I was amazed at how pregnancy is handled in Sweden. Most people only see a midwife and very little is done in terms of tests, etc. during the pregnancy. Moms and babes do seem to thrive under their system.

[Deleted]

I'm not that surprised by what you say, P. Sadly.

I can only imagine how hard it must be for people to pay their health insurance over there, and of course it's going to hit the poorest the hardest.

Not sure what you mean though about Swedish mums only seeing a midwife? That's pretty much the norm here in Scotland, unless the mother to be has serious health issues that require intervention.

How does that differ from the US? Has the whole shebang become medicalised or what?

[peony]

Yes, generally, a doctor is the over seer of pregnancy and delivery. Babies are born in a hospital, although there are some birthing centers. Monthly visits to the doctor for weighing and measuring etc.

Many who are poor qualify for medicaid (welfare medical), but the working folk who are poor often don't qualify for public assistance and can't afford insurance so any conditions that may exist aren't seen until it is too late and the mother is at the emergency room to deliver the baby.

It's a bad deal.

[Deleted]

Bejasus. Is it something to do with the litigation culture that you're under the care of a doctor throughout? Even for the most routine of monitoring? Being pregnant isn't usually an illness--- but it does seem to have got over-medicalised?

I never saw a doctor once throughout until week 42 when the wean decided she was quite happy to stay put for a while yet..

Very much the role of the midwife to give you pre- and ante-natal care. But of course with full back up if it became necessary.

I imagine many working people on lower income scales over there must really struggle with choices, I totally get why medical insurance premiums would possibly come way down the list after mortgage/rent, utilities and food.

I guess those who make policy are of course shielded by personal wealth from such ordinary concerns?

The UKE looks to be heading that way too.

Fuckers.

[peony]

Pregnancy IS treated like an illness and it's idiocy. I have sometimes wondered how that view might effect a child from the "illness".

Capitalism at it's worst. The poor suffer and get poorer and the rich flourish. It is bad how the poor and the illegal immigrants will crowd out the emergency rooms, but they do it because they have no other options. The bills are so huge they have no chance of paying them.

During this presidential election, it's amazing how many people who are poor cling to capitalism where "dreams can come true". Dreams CAN come true, but not many.

It sucks.

[bormes]

Do you know of a Socialist or Communist country that actually works?
The idea is wonderful, I like it, unfortunately, PEOPLE get in the way with all our faults, so it can NEVER work.
we just try our best with ups and downs to have a better society and hopefully the internet MIGHT just help by letting people see and communicating quickly to help improve situations. I hope so as there are many down sides to it as well.

[Deleted]

May 26, 2012 20:16:54 GMT -1 bormes said:

Do you know of a Socialist or Communist country that actually works?
The idea is wonderful, I like it, unfortunately, PEOPLE get in the way with all our faults, so it can NEVER work.
we just try our best with ups and downs to have a better society and hopefully the internet MIGHT just help by letting people see and communicating quickly to help improve situations. I hope so as there are many down sides to it as well.

Personally I believe we could learn a few lessons from the Scandinavian countries, Bormes.

Yes, people pay a little more tax but it's used to fund things of real everyday value to them; like childcare and shorter working hours. As far as I'm aware there's less of a chasm between rich and poor--and I've mentioned before how their CEO's are barred from earning more than 20 times that of the least paid worker in their company.

I think it's possible to be entrepreneurial and ambitious, to find ways of maximising a country's skills, talents and natural resources but at the same time having responsible, decent social values that make people happy to be living there.

And if ' dreams' are all about capitalistic values, the endless striving for material goods, then perhaps it's really more of a nightmare?

[ozneil]

There are other countries that hold same values, are more "capitalistic", have a high standard of living and are prepared to work to achieve it.

PS and enjoy greater freedom from interference from bureaucrats

[Deleted]

You wouldn't mean Australia by any chance, would you? ;D