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Comment by veryworried | Hacker News Reader

I have a hard time believing this would be the norm at a sufficient number of companies that it would justify picking up one of these degrees. Knowing technical skills when applying to technical companies seems like a safer bet.

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Well maybe but I think that's an issue - encouraging people, especially from those form working-class backgrounds, to take the safe bet rather than fulfilling their potential. Working-class young people are encouraged to take a safe job in the local area living a limited life, while middle-class young people with the same ability are encouraged to stick their necks out more to go to the top universities and try for the top jobs.

And for good reason, because if those working class young take a risk and it doesn’t work out (and it usually doesn’t) they are doomed to a lifetime of poverty and anguish from which there is no escape. There is value in taking the safe bet. Having a degree in English will be a cold comfort then.

But that's rational isn't it? The expected outcome is much lower for someone from a working class background so play safe. You won't have access to connections or sound advice from mentors in the know. You're less likely to be going to a top school where you could 'get away with' a humanities degree.

Agree that I'd like to see more working class kids being ambitious and going for top schools, moving away from home etc but at least play safe and go for something with job prospects.

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