In an era where the noble pursuit of education should be a beacon of opportunity for all, a disheartening trend has emerged – the commercialisation of education. The very essence of learning, once revered as a gateway to knowledge and personal growth, is now trapped within the confines of a profit-driven model that disproportionately affects middle class students. This systematic exploitation not only tarnishes the principles of education but also perpetuates inequality in our society.
Gone are the days when education was primarily about enlightenment and empowerment. In today’s world, institutions, textbooks, and educational tools are commodities. The financial burden of obtaining an education, particularly for middle class families, has reached unprecedented heights. Struggling to balance aspirations and affordability, middle class students find themselves caught in a vicious cycle of student loans and mounting debt.
The effects of this commercialisation are far-reaching. Quality education is increasingly becoming a privilege, attainable only by those who can afford the exorbitant costs. Middle class families, who neither qualify for significant financial aid nor belong to the elite class, bear the brunt of this educational market distortion. As they strive to secure a better future for their children, they are confronted with the harsh reality that their dreams are being held hostage by profit-driven institutions.
Moreover, the commodification of education has paved the way for a superficial emphasis on grades and credentials over genuine learning. Institutions prioritise profit-maximisation, leading to grade inflation, an overemphasis on standardised testing, and a lack of focus on holistic development. Middle class students, under immense pressure to secure their investment in education, find themselves navigating a system that often fails to prepare them for the complexities of the real world.
The erosion of values within commercialised education is alarming. Education should empower critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity. Instead, it has devolved into a transactional process where the highest bidder is granted access to knowledge. The ideals of intellectual pursuit, personal growth, and societal betterment are overshadowed by revenue targets and market share.
It is imperative that we challenge this commodification of education. Middle class students deserve equal opportunities to excel, learn, and contribute without the burden of insurmountable debt. We must demand a return to education’s core principles, where knowledge is a right, not a privilege. Policymakers must prioritise affordable education and work to break the chains of commercialisation that hinder the middle class from reaching their potential.
The commercialisation of education is not a mere financial issue; it’s a moral crisis that corrodes the very essence of learning. Middle class students, aspiring for upward mobility, are unfairly burdened by a system that prioritises profit over their future. As a society, we must rise against this tide, advocate for accessible education, and reclaim the value of learning for the betterment of all. Only then can we truly achieve an equitable and enlightened world for future generations.
