Is a degree the answer to reducing poverty?

In 1960, 7.7% of adults above the age of 25 had a degree, today 37.5% over the age of 25 have a degree. Almost 40% of 25 and older have a degree, yet poverty remains unchanged. Is a degree really necessary to make a good wage? Is a degree valuable in the workplace? Just something I stumbled across and questioned.

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ninalanyon · 61-69, T

Of course not. The key to reducing poverty is a willingness by society as a whole to pay people enough to live a decent life instead of using market forces to keep wages for the least skilled down at poverty levels.

A relevant degree and the knowledge and capabilities that go with it are valuable in jobs that need those capabilities and the piece of paper itself makes it easier for employers and employees to find each other without having to do extensive tests or probationary periods.

But the proportion of such jobs is relatively small. More people are needed who can safely operate dangerous machinery, safely install electrical equipment, clean lavatories, deliver goods, etc.; tasks for which a degree is pointless.