Group 1 - The consensus on the devaluation of academic qualifications is strengthening, with a growing belief that current education heavily relies on innate talent rather than just effort [1] - The proportion of individuals with undergraduate and graduate degrees is increasing, leading to a relative decline in demand for highly educated individuals, resulting in an oversupply [1][2] - The material conditions in China have improved significantly, making it difficult for individuals to starve, as industrial capacity is excessive and agricultural modernization is ongoing [1] Group 2 - In early education, it is important for children to explore various interests and develop mathematical thinking, without the pressure of excelling in every subject [1][2] - During middle school, it is crucial to assess a child's exam-taking abilities and character development, as these experiences are valuable for future challenges [2] - In high school, the focus should be on understanding social realities and engaging in various social activities, regardless of the type of high school attended [2][3] Group 3 - The future of ordinary civil service jobs may not be stable, and the nursing profession is noted for its demanding shift work [4][5] - The funeral industry is identified as a growing sector, while the field of cultural relic restoration remains less understood [6][7] Group 4 - The current education system is viewed as a zero-sum game, where success in exams is dependent on outperforming peers, contributing to the phenomenon of educational competition [8] - The perception that past generations had easier access to higher education is challenged, as historical data shows lower enrollment rates and higher competition [8][9] - High-density talent environments in companies lead to more efficient communication and problem-solving compared to low-density environments [8] Group 5 - The importance of attending the right educational institution is emphasized, as mismatched environments can hinder a child's development [9] - The concept of "high school migration" is discussed, where students may move to different provinces for better educational opportunities, particularly in western provinces [9][10] - The knowledge taught in schools is often outdated, but the ability to learn and think critically remains essential for personal and professional growth [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in the context of the increasing number of university graduates in China, drawing parallels with Japan's historical experience during the 1990s economic downturn [2][3]. Group 1: Current Job Market Situation - The number of university graduates in 2023 is projected to reach a record 12.22 million, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [1]. - The offer acquisition rate for 2024 master's and doctoral graduates is only 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% rate for undergraduate graduates [1]. - The job market is increasingly competitive, with the employment rate for undergraduate graduates being lower than that of vocational school graduates [1]. Group 2: Historical Context and Lessons from Japan - Japan experienced a similar "degree devaluation" phenomenon in the 1990s, where a significant economic downturn led to a drastic drop in employment rates for university graduates [10][12]. - The 1990s marked a turning point for Japan, where the employment rate for graduates fell from 80% to below 70%, leading to a generation labeled as "lost" due to their struggles in the job market [10][30]. - The Japanese government attempted various measures to alleviate the employment crisis, including increasing the number of graduate students, but these efforts did not address the underlying issues of economic stagnation and job market demand [21][35]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The article highlights that the root cause of degree devaluation is not merely the oversupply of graduates but the lack of corresponding job opportunities due to economic stagnation and a failure to innovate [35][37]. - Japan's experience illustrates that without significant economic growth and innovation, an increase in educational attainment can lead to a surplus of graduates without adequate job prospects [35][37]. - The article concludes that creating new job opportunities through industrial upgrades and innovation is essential to prevent degree devaluation and ensure that higher education translates into economic productivity [35][37].

Group 1 - The article highlights the record number of 12.22 million university graduates entering the job market in 2024, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [3] - The offer acquisition rate for 2024 master's and doctoral graduates is 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% rate for undergraduate graduates [3][4] - The trend of increasing university graduates is expected to continue until 2038, peaking at 14.45 million, indicating a persistent job market challenge for new graduates [5] Group 2 - The phenomenon of "degree devaluation" is not unique to China, as Japan has experienced similar issues over the past 30 years, providing valuable lessons [6] - In the 1980s, Japan's economy was booming, leading to high demand for university graduates, with many receiving multiple job offers before graduation [8][9] - The economic bubble burst in the 1990s resulted in a significant decline in employment opportunities, with the employment rate for university graduates dropping from 80% in 1992 to below 70% by 1995 [12][18] Group 3 - The Japanese government implemented various measures to address the employment crisis, including the "Graduate Doubling Plan" and funding for doctoral candidates, but these efforts did not effectively resolve the underlying issues [24][25] - The introduction of labor dispatch laws in 1999 led to a rise in non-regular employment, with a significant increase in the proportion of non-standard employment types, which negatively impacted job security and wages for graduates [28][32] - By 2024, Japan's employment rate for new graduates reached a historic high of 98.1%, attributed to demographic changes such as an aging population and declining birth rates [36][37] Group 4 - The article emphasizes that the root cause of the employment market's challenges lies in the shrinking demand for labor, exacerbated by a lack of innovation and industrial upgrades in Japan [39][40] - Japan's failure to adapt to new industrial trends has led to a situation where the supply of highly educated individuals exceeds the demand for their skills, resulting in a devaluation of degrees [41][42]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in Japan, drawing parallels with the current situation in China, particularly regarding the challenges faced by university graduates in the job market [3][4][29]. Group 1: Degree Devaluation in Japan - The belief that obtaining a university degree guarantees a stable future was prevalent in Japan during the 1980s, with companies offering attractive benefits to recruit graduates [6][7]. - The economic bubble burst in the 1990s led to a drastic decline in job opportunities, resulting in a significant drop in the employment rate for graduates, marking the beginning of the degree devaluation era [9][10]. - By 1992, the university graduate employment rate began to fall, with figures dropping from 80% to 70.5% over the years, reflecting a shift in the job market dynamics [9][10]. Group 2: Impact of Economic Changes - The economic downturn resulted in a surge of graduates entering the job market, coinciding with a wave of corporate layoffs, creating a mismatch between job seekers and available positions [9][10]. - The rise of "freeter" culture, where young people took on part-time or temporary jobs instead of stable employment, became a common response to the bleak job market [12][14]. - The government attempted to address the crisis through various initiatives, including increasing the number of graduate programs, but these measures failed to improve employment rates significantly [18][19]. Group 3: Long-term Consequences - The term "lost generation" emerged to describe those who graduated during the economic downturn, as many faced prolonged unemployment or underemployment [14][26]. - The shift towards non-regular employment, such as temporary and contract work, became prevalent, with non-regular employment rates rising significantly over the years [25][22]. - The article highlights that despite recent improvements in employment rates for graduates, the underlying issues of degree devaluation and economic stagnation remain critical challenges for Japan [27][30].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in the context of the increasing number of university graduates in China and draws parallels with Japan's historical experience during the 1990s economic crisis, highlighting the challenges faced by graduates in securing employment and the implications for the labor market [4][11]. Group 1: Current Situation of Graduates - The number of university graduates in China is expected to reach a record 12.22 million this year, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [4]. - The offer acquisition rate for 2024 master's and doctoral graduates is only 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% for undergraduate graduates [4]. - The trend of increasing university graduates is projected to continue until 2038, when the number is expected to peak at 14.45 million [4]. Group 2: Historical Context from Japan - In the 1980s, Japan experienced a booming economy where university graduates were highly sought after, with many receiving multiple job offers before graduation [6][7]. - The economic bubble burst in the early 1990s led to a drastic decline in employment opportunities, with the employment rate for graduates dropping from 80% in 1992 to below 70% by 1995 [8][9]. - The term "lost generation" was coined to describe those who graduated during this period, facing severe employment challenges and often resorting to temporary or low-paying jobs [11][21]. Group 3: Government Response and Policy Failures - The Japanese government implemented several initiatives to address the employment crisis, including the "Graduate Doubling Plan" and funding for postdoctoral researchers, but these measures failed to improve the job market significantly [15][16]. - The increase in the number of graduate students did not correspond with a rise in employment rates, leading to a surplus of highly educated individuals without job opportunities [15][16]. - The introduction of labor dispatch laws in 1999 led to a rise in non-regular employment, which further complicated the job market for graduates [17][21]. Group 4: Lessons Learned and Future Implications - Japan's experience illustrates that simply increasing the number of graduates does not guarantee employment; economic innovation and industry upgrades are crucial for creating job opportunities [24][25]. - The article emphasizes the need for a shift from protecting existing industries to fostering new growth and innovation to prevent a repeat of the degree devaluation phenomenon [25].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in Japan, drawing parallels with the current situation in China, particularly in the context of the increasing number of university graduates and the challenges they face in the job market [4][5][6]. Group 1: Current Job Market Situation - The number of university graduates in 2024 is projected to reach a record 12.22 million, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [4]. - The offer acquisition rate for master's and doctoral graduates is only 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% for undergraduate graduates [4]. - The trend of increasing university graduates is expected to continue until it peaks at 14.45 million in 2038, indicating a persistent job market challenge for graduates [5]. Group 2: Historical Context of Degree Devaluation - The article references Japan's experience with degree devaluation, which began in the 1990s after the economic bubble burst, leading to a significant decline in employment rates for graduates [11][14]. - In 1992, the employment rate for university graduates began to drop, with figures falling from 80% to below 70% over the following years [14][21]. - The phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in Japan was characterized by a surplus of graduates and a shrinking demand for high-skilled labor, resulting in a generation of "high-education refugees" [33][40]. Group 3: Government Response and Policy Measures - The Japanese government implemented several measures to address the employment crisis, including the "Graduate Doubling Plan" and funding for postdoctoral researchers, aiming to increase higher education enrollment [30][31]. - Despite these efforts, the number of graduate students increased significantly, but the employment rate continued to decline, highlighting a mismatch between education and job market needs [32]. - The revision of the Labor Dispatch Law in 1999 led to a rise in non-standard employment, which provided short-term solutions but ultimately worsened job security for graduates [36][40]. Group 4: Lessons Learned and Future Outlook - The article emphasizes that the root cause of degree devaluation lies in the shrinking demand for skilled labor due to a lack of innovation and industrial upgrades in Japan [48][49]. - The current job market in Japan has shown signs of recovery, with a 98.1% employment rate for new graduates in 2024, attributed to demographic changes and a balance in supply and demand [46][47]. - The experience of Japan serves as a cautionary tale for other countries, including China, regarding the importance of aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs to prevent degree devaluation [53].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in the context of the increasing number of university graduates in China and draws parallels with Japan's historical experience during its economic downturn in the 1990s [4][20]. Group 1: Current Situation of Graduates - In 2024, the number of university graduates in China is expected to reach a record 12.22 million, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [4]. - The offer acquisition rate for master's and doctoral graduates is only 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% for undergraduate graduates [4]. - The trend of increasing university graduates is projected to continue until 2038, when it will peak at 14.45 million [4]. Group 2: Historical Context from Japan - In the 1980s, Japan experienced a booming economy where university graduates were highly sought after, with many receiving multiple job offers before graduation [5][6]. - The economic bubble burst in the 1990s led to a drastic decline in job opportunities, with the employment rate for graduates dropping significantly [8][9]. - The term "lost generation" emerged in Japan, referring to those who graduated during the economic downturn and faced severe employment challenges [12]. Group 3: Government Responses and Consequences - The Japanese government implemented various measures to address the employment crisis, including increasing the number of graduate students and promoting vocational training [13][15]. - Despite these efforts, the oversupply of graduates and the lack of corresponding job opportunities led to a rise in "high-education refugees" and "浪人博士" (wandering PhDs) [15][19]. - The shift towards non-regular employment, such as temporary and contract work, became prevalent, further complicating the job market for graduates [16][19]. Group 4: Lessons Learned - Japan's experience highlights the importance of aligning higher education with market needs and the dangers of overemphasizing degree attainment without corresponding job creation [21]. - The article suggests that economic growth and innovation are crucial for creating job opportunities that can absorb the increasing number of graduates [21].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by PhD graduates in finding suitable employment, highlighting the disparity in job opportunities based on academic achievements and the oversaturation of PhD holders in the job market [1][5][9]. Group 1: Employment Challenges for PhD Graduates - Many PhD graduates struggle to find suitable jobs, with some reporting a significant gap between their academic qualifications and available positions [1][5]. - The employment rate for PhD graduates is notably low, with statistics indicating that only 15% of PhD holders from certain institutions find employment [5]. - The competition for academic positions is intense, with only the most accomplished PhD graduates securing roles in prestigious universities, while others may struggle to find even basic teaching positions [2][12]. Group 2: Job Market Dynamics - The job market for PhD graduates has become increasingly competitive, with a significant number of graduates vying for limited positions, particularly in academia and research institutions [4][13]. - The perception of PhD degrees has shifted, leading to a situation where the value of such qualifications is questioned, and many graduates find themselves in roles that do not utilize their advanced skills [9][11]. - The article notes that the oversupply of PhD graduates has led to a devaluation of the degree, making it difficult for individuals to leverage their qualifications effectively in the job market [6][8]. Group 3: Alternative Career Paths - Some experts suggest that PhD graduates consider alternative career paths, such as civil service or positions in research institutions, where academic achievements may not be as heavily scrutinized [3][15]. - The article highlights the potential for PhD holders to explore opportunities abroad, where their qualifications may still hold value, particularly in countries that offer favorable immigration policies for skilled workers [6][9]. - It is recommended that PhD graduates focus on building networks and leveraging relationships with mentors and peers to enhance their job prospects [6][11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing pressure and anxiety faced by young people in a competitive job market, particularly in elite educational systems that prioritize certain fields over others, leading to a sense of existential crisis among graduates [2][4][6]. Group 1: Educational System and Its Impact - The elite education system is criticized for producing "excellent sheep" who are compliant but lack critical thinking and a sense of purpose, resulting in anxiety and a lack of curiosity among top graduates [4][6]. - The phenomenon of degree inflation is highlighted, where the number of bachelor's degrees awarded in the U.S. increased by 84% from 1991 to 2022, while the population grew by only 31%, leading to a devaluation of degrees [8][11]. - The decline in the quality of undergraduate education, particularly in humanities, is noted, with humanities graduates now making up less than 3% of the total, down from 11% 50 years ago [16][18]. Group 2: Career Choices and Market Saturation - Many students are flocking to stable fields like finance, consulting, and technology, which leads to market saturation and increased competition for limited positions [6][11]. - The article emphasizes the need for students to pursue unique paths and develop distinct skills rather than following the crowd into popular fields, which may not guarantee job security or satisfaction [11][22]. - The importance of soft skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence is underscored as essential for future job markets, especially in the face of AI advancements [20][22]. Group 3: Personal Development and Meaning - The article argues that the true measure of life’s value should not be tied to salary or prestige but rather to personal fulfillment and meaningful engagement with the world [12][13]. - Young people are encouraged to explore their passions and interests early on, rather than conforming to societal expectations of success [12][36]. - The need for a shift in mindset regarding education and career paths is emphasized, advocating for a more holistic approach to personal and professional development [28][30].

世界为什么越来越卷了？ 这可能是许多年轻人的困惑：资源和人才都在加速流向技术尖端引领的少数行业；另一边，全球文科塌陷，职业教育培养不出对口的人才，反而大量的人 都在争抢着极少数"光鲜"的岗位…… 优绩主义的尽头没有绝对的胜利者，那些名校最为优秀的毕业生，却可能是最焦虑的一群人——他们时常觉得，世界好像一个巨大的仓鼠轮，自己被逼着 不停奔跑，却总感觉还在原地踏步，找不到行动的意义。 图源《无法成为野兽的我们》 早在2015年，《优秀的绵羊》就曾预示过这种未来——这本书出自威廉·德雷谢维奇（William Deresiewicz），彼时在美国引起了巨大反响。在常青藤盟校 待了20多年后，他辞去了自己的耶鲁大学的终身教职，他写到，我们的精英教育体系只培养出了一群"优秀的绵羊"，这些学生们顺从地、老老实实向同一 个方向前进，"他们懂得如何做一名学生，却不知道如何思考。他们虽聪明、富有天分，却也充满焦虑、胆小怕事，对未来一片茫然，缺乏好奇心和目标 感。" 德雷谢维奇的洞察全部源于对精英教育体系的观察和亲身经历——他一共辗转过至少3个不同的专业。出身于一个聚集"知识分子"的犹太家庭，本科他循 规蹈矩选择了生物学和心理学的 ...