In the article, “The Real Reason the Humanities Are ‘In Crisis’” by Heidi Tworek, the author argued that the dropping number of liberal art majors are a result of ‘practical’ majors growing appeal. Tworek first sheds light on proposed cuts in university liberal arts departments by Republican governors. The governors justified their claim by explaining that taxpayers should not subsidize subjects that did not lead students directly to securing a job. Only, as the author argues, more ‘practical’ degrees are not the answer. However, the numbers of liberal art majors, including humanities, have dropped tremendously.
One can answer the question as to why the number of liberal arts majors has seemed to drop in the past two decades, by analyzing women’s choice of major. Women, since the 1970s, seemed to have turned to other subjects besides history, English, and art. There is no concrete answer as to why, but there are some theories that can explain. Women these days seem to fear they funnel into ‘tradition’ occupations. Other theories rose that women seem to be expecting higher pay if they major in pre-professional degrees. However, the choice of major matters much less than the skills those students acquire. Employers want their employees to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems. The turn to STEM or business majors do not assure students a greater chance to obtain these skills than a degree in history or anthropology.
Liberal art majors are one of the many pillars to America’s success. No other country focuses on liberal arts more than our country has. The stigma behind majors that are not ‘skill based’ will hurt the diversity in our education. The purpose of education is not only to acquire a job, but to acquire knowledge about the world. The numbers of liberal art majors seem to be dropping in this day in age because students seem strive for status and jobs. Women aspire to work, and they expect that their choice of major will easily grant them a job. Social stigma behind liberal art majors will greatly suffer the diversity of our country’s education as a result. Women can major in anything as they choose, and they will gain a job only if they use their skills properly, just like any other major.
