Date of Award
Spring 2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Leadership Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Douglas Hicks
Second Advisor
Dr. Thad Williamson
Third Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Erkulwater
Abstract
President Obama has proposed that the United States increase the number of college graduates by 8 million by 2020 in order to raise national educational standards and to engage in global competition. Obama’s policies and rhetoric frequently describe “education as a pathway to success” and “education as a pathway to jobs,” but fail to emphasize its comprehensive, intrinsic values. America’s national discussion on education needs to shift away from framing higher education merely as pathway to the workforce, and should focus instead on education as a vital part of a well-lived life. To fulfill social justice under the capabilities approach, American leadership should strive to give everyone the genuine choice of pursuing a higher education.
Recommended Citation
Manak, Caitlin M., "Framing the college debate : insights on Obama's rhetoric through the capabilities approach" (2012). Honors Theses. 65.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/65