The Death of Human Capital?

Phillip Brown is a Distinguished Research Professor in the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University. His publications include 18 books and over 100 academic articles and reports. He has given presentations in over twenty countries. He Chaired an Independent Review for the Welsh Government examining the impact of digital innovation for the economy and the future of work in Wales, UK, and is currently leading a six-country research program examining digital transformation and the future of work, education and skills, in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Division, Institute of Adult Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). He also serves on the Council of Management, National Institute for Economic and Social Research, London. Hugh Lauder is Professor of Education and Political Economy at the University of Bath. He specializes in the relationship of education to the economy and has for over 20 years worked on national skill strategies and the global economy. His current work is on the alternatives to human capital and skill bias technical change theories. Sin Yi Cheung is Professor of Sociology at the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University. Her research addresses different forms of social inequalities in Britain and in comparative perspective. She has published on the changing inequalities in higher education, ethno-religious penalties in the labor market, lone parents on benefits, claimants' dynamics, children in care, migration and refugee integration.

1. Introduction

Part One - The Rise of Human Capital Theory
2. Origins
3. The High Tide

Part Two - The Failed Promise
4. Learning Isn't Earning
5. Winners and Losers
6. The Mirage of Opportunity
7. The Failed Promise of Development
8. A Revisionist History

Part Three - The New Human Capital
9. Starting Principles
10. Rethinking Labor Supply
11. Rethinking Job Demand
12. Rethinking Economic Returns
13. Conclusion: A Race Against Time

Appendix
Notes