So, why don’t we make more money?
Published on Jan 29, 2008 at 12:13 am.
4 Comments.
Filed under blogging, politics.
A recent poll by Harris Interactive to see who Americans think have prestigious jobs listed both scientist and teacher as being prestigious. Hmm.  Since I am a college professor and an astronomer, does that make me doubly prestigious? Also on the list of the most prestigious professions was firefighter, military officer, nurse, and doctor. Interestingly, that list also has some of the lowest paid professionals in the country. Only doctors on that list make much money, and even they make far less than most people think that they do (I know, because my brother is an MD).
On the list of the jobs with the lowest prestige were actors, stock brokers, athletes, and business executives. Many of the highest paid people in today’s economy seem to be in these groups.
Hmm. Does this seem right?
-Astroprof
Bruce on January 29, 2008 at 1:18 am: 1
It doesn’t seem right, does it? But I think “prestige” reflects various things, including perceived honesty, selflessness, and contributions to society, things that average citizens would tend to value, even if managers and political decision makers don’t. I’d like my kids’ teachers to be honest and concerned for kids’ welfare (as well as skilled), and if it came to a vote to increase my taxes to pay teachers more, I would most likely vote yes, but perhaps many people wouldn’t. I think people also think that scientists and teachers are doing what they do more for personal satisfaction than for the money - which is often necessarily true! So the inverse correlation is perhaps understandable even if not right. If you’re smart enough to be a scientist or a stock broker, and you decide based on earning potential, you’re probably a broker. If you’re a scientist, money wasn’t your top priority when you started out (though it’s obviously still important).
AGeek on January 29, 2008 at 3:47 am: 2
You already have the prestige, now you want money too?
No, I am not joking.
That’s all there is to it.
Brian Waddington on January 29, 2008 at 6:59 am: 3
To paraphrase; a society will almost always get what it deserves though it may not get what it wants. Society puts its money where it seems appropriate. Altruism is seen as noble = prestige. Gathering is less than noble = no or less prestige. Greed is not noble = no prestige. but as all of the great philosophies and religions point out; greed is a major motivator.
Danny Wilson on January 31, 2008 at 2:53 pm: 4
Its simply the law of Supply and Demand that determine the value of anything. Thats the way our “capitalist economy” works.