Education, 'Skills', and Technological Change: the Politics of the New Economy

Abstract

This paper examines the prevalent view that technological change is having widespread effects on the pattern and natwe of employment in Aotearoa, and that these have significant implications for etlucation. We analyse papers by Callister (1990) on the labour market and MacPherson {1990) on education; two documents which have been influential in shaping policy directions. We then criticize the central points made in these, and other, documents, and consider the implications for education. Finally, we point out that arguments for a new relationship between education and the labour market are political, incorporating a fundamental debate about the narure of our society both now and in the future.