IQ and Education: Uncovering the Secrets of Japan’s School System
We have been told all our lives to go to school and get an education.
“Do so and you can get a stable job and live a stable life” is what they all say.
It’s a fact that’s been repeated hundreds if not thousands of times; I even remember saying this quote to you.
but it’s seldom that we ever ask ‘why?’.
“Why does it exist?”, “Why does it feel so forceful?” and “What is the overall purpose?”.
So when you asked me this question: “Is Japan’s education system effective?” I felt my interest pique.
With over 18 years spent in Japanese education, I felt I had something to offer.
So hopefully, my answer provides you with a new perspective.
What is education?
Onto my 1st point: “What is the purpose of education?”.
For this purpose, let’s consider we are talking about “public” education, one serviced by the 1government. With that, the main purpose would be to raise the quality of the labor force. Higher quality labor = greater efficiency, is what has to be assumed [1].
So what is considered quality labor?.
Leaders and employees that help achieve the goals of the country. Some of which being:
1). Making a country prosperous
2). Forming relationships with other nations to become more united.
3). Creation of industries and policies that garner respect from others.
These are just a few potential ideas.
But the most important criteria, is helping to enrich the country economically [2].
So who would be the people that helps enrich the economy?.
Who are these people?
I believe there are two answers.
1). The laborer who provides quality work.
2). The elite/leader who drives the economy to success.
Okay, I hope that made a little sense. I’ll explain a little more here on out.
What is required of the laborer is simple. Please note that while it can be simple, it doesn’t mean it’s easy.
The laborer needs basic communication skills like having the ability to read and write. They also have to cooperate as a group and accept group responsibility. These are the base prerequisites need of quality labor.
Thus taking a look at Japan’s education system, it seems effective. It breeds cooperation, while teaching student how to read and write [3].
Then what about the 2nd point? “Where are the elites?”
It’s been 30 years in which Japan has experienced 1% growth.
Known as the ‘lost decades’, part of the cause is often attributed to the lack of the elites.
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Would that mean that Japan’s education is the cause of the lack of elites?
yes. But, it’s not an issue of growing the elites but it’s instead an issue of selection.
To understand this better, let’s take a look at Singapore
A look into the Singapore Case-Study
Gaining independence in 1965, Singapore implemented various rigorous measures to grow 500(X) from their humble beginnings [4].
Even in my own life, I have been fortunate to work with many Singaporeans as colleagues. And honestly, I have been constantly inspired by their talent and quality of work.
I think their skill is a tribute to the rigorous education strategy that Singapore has adopted. This system is what has become the backbone of the growth that the country has experienced.
In short, Singaporean public schools are very selective. They choose children who are talented and focus their attention and resource on their growth only. In essence, they believe the talented kids will become the elite/leaders of the future.
Unfortunately, this selection process is determined by a national test taken at 6th grade.
Imagine that… When you were just 11. Having to take a test that will dictate the rest of your life…
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For those children that don’t score well, going to a university becomes almost impossible. Without a university-degree, finding a job with a good salary becomes even more distant.
Universities are thought of as places where the ‘elites’ go. It’s really different from what we see in Japan right?
Interestingly?
Well surprisingly, the same structure used to be here in Japan.
WW2 left Japan as a very poor country.
The education system had to be naturally selective to help revitalize the economy. There came the division of the elites and laborers.
Like as Singapore, who was initially a poor country, Japan adopted a selective process because it was beneficial for growth.
The elites would go to university. They would become the primary movers of society.
But as Japan prospered, the value proposition shifted towards equal opportunity.
Students were all given the same opportunity, and the idea of having an elite group became outdated.
So here is a question for you. “If a country provides equal education to all children, will all of them grow their IQ?”. “Would all of them become elite students, and be movers of the economy?”.
Unfortunately no. That would be just a peaceful fantasy.
In reality we limit children’s potential in this manner.
Would you agree that athletic ability is mostly decided by your genes? Height, endurance, and power, all factors that athletic abilities rely on, are pre-programmed by genetic inheritance.
Then can’t the same be said for brain functions? The brain is also an organ, just like the stomach and the heart.
It would follow that the brain, also an organ, should also be influenced by genetic inheritance.
Hence, teaching children of different abilities with the same level of education doesn’t benefit them, but rather hinders their growth.
Where is the evidence?
I know these statistics don’t entirely help my point, but please take a look.
The graph above shows the correlation between income and IQ.
Let’s make an assumption with this graph. Higher IQ = Greater Productivity. Greater Productivity = Higher Income levels.
But Greater Productivity also comes with larger contribution to a countries GDP.
Thus it would make sense that a country wanting to raise GDP, would want students of greater capability.
It’s imperative that they select students of higher IQ. Why? Because they can earn more both domestically and internationally.
Allowing the government to achieve their fundamental goal of economic growth.
Additionally, those that are not considered ‘elite’ will still create a workforce of quality laborers. Helping the ambitions of the ‘elites’ to grow the economy.
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But then the question rises: “Can we introduce the same selective structure again?”…
Answer?
And I say that the answer is No.
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Even if it’s effective from an economic standpoint, it’s not possible for any politician.
If any even proposed this type of structure, they would be outright rejected.
How would you feel being classified as a “non-elite”…
It would not make you feel good right?. Nobody likes being prejudiced on something they can’t change. And the same applies here.
I personally don’t want my child to grow in a country where their future is predetermined. They should have the freedom to choose and grow on their own.
Yes, I agree the system is wrong.
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Conclusion
So to conclude, yes Japan’s education system is not effective for economic growth.
However, it treats children equally which most parents value.
Without majority support, these policies will never be implemented. Thus trying to enforce change into the Japanese educational system will be difficult.
I would say the best thing the government can do is to avoid any further disincentive. Don’t enforce any radical changes, and just allow the elite to stay while also cultivating the laborers. That way, they can keep the trust of the people while hopefully, helping the economy grow.
[1]. In economics, to shift LRAS outward, there needs to be an increase in quality of Factors of production. One of which being Labor. When the quality of labor is increased, there is greater efficiency in the economy. More higher quality goods can be produced for cheaper, allowing the economy to grow. For context, when LRAS shifts outwards, R-GDP /the economy grows. This is the assumption that must be made for this argument to make sense.
[2]. Countries want economy success because it grants them the ability to escape poverty. They can make policies more easily and shape society in the direction they wish. It also allows them the freedom of choice. Case in point, compare Singapore now and 50 years ago. You will see the drastic difference in influence and ability to make decisions.
[3]. Previous articles we have done on why the Japanese are nice and cooperative. Click here.
[4]. Click Here to see article detailing Singapore’s GDP increase.