The topic of education has always attracted much attention, especially the phenomenon of declining IQ of college students. Many people talk about it, but they often don't understand the reasons for the decline in IQ. However, from another perspective, it can be found that the decline in the level of education can be an important factor.
Historical data shows that from 1939 to 2022, the average IQ of college students dropped from 139 to 102, an average decrease of 0.2% per year. The study notes that the decline in IQ goes against the findings of past studies, known as the "Flynn effect," which states that the public's IQ increases year after year. Further analysis found that this decline may be related to the universalization of education levels.
In the past, college students were the elite of society, but now the surge in the number of college students has led to the popularization of the level of education, and there is no longer a particularly outstanding education. In contrast, academic qualifications in the past symbolized high IQ and elite education, but with the sharp increase in the number of college students, the depreciation of academic qualifications has become a common phenomenon. This decline in universal education also highlights the decline in the role of education in selection.
In China, the number of college students has exceeded the number of births, which means that the proportion of college students has increased dramatically, which has further led to a decline in IQ and the quality of education. In the past, the selection channel, especially the college entrance examination, used to be a way to jump up the social class, but now it has led to the solidification of the class because of an examination paper. The popularization of education has blurred the selection pathway, and the resources of the powerful and wealthy have monopolized other avenues such as study abroad channels.
Therefore, education is not only for the acquisition of knowledge, but also a selection mechanism. The need to redesign the education system so that it can return to its selective role has become a top priority. Only when the selection of education is fair and effective can society achieve more just class mobility, ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and resources, and thus promote social progress.