Theodora looks at why students pursue STEM over humanities degrees.
In the contemporary world the number of people who pursue degrees in humanities is decreasing. But why is that? Why do people prefer to get degrees in engineering or computer science but not in art? While creativity is an essential part of humans’ daily life, it seems to be declining.
It is irresponsible to ignore that the economy is run by big (tech) corporations. From small to larger companies, money is a promise, and as a consequence people choose to work in a position where they can earn enough money to support themselves. To achieve that, students usually try to get into competitive universities in order to gain a degree in science, technology, mathematics, engineering, claiming that this is their passion. That this is exactly what they want to do in their life, that this their definition of creativity… is it? Why are there so many people that have a passion for engineering and not art? Sadly, there are students who would rather choose something artistic, but in the end they are willing to sacrifice that. Most states are happy to ‘help’ as this is the only way to keep the economy circulating.
People need to pay for electricity, water, rent, supermarket shopping, their children’s education, their loans. This is becoming increasingly difficult with the rising cost of living and this requires a well paying job. A well paying job is a data-analyst or an engineer, not a musician with an uncertain future or an actor who is barely making it through the month.
Thus the issue of uncertainty is also something that prevents young people from pursuing a career in the arts. Understandably, they want to ensure a future where they won’t be struggling. Becoming a painter, an actor or a singer is risky: one might have a regular program of concerts and suddenly the concerts are over, or the owner of the place decides they can’t afford them anymore. Then, there is no job for them and they find themselves in uncharted territory.
Now more than ever it seems like there is an intimidation towards people who are involved in the “arts world”, whether that is music or theater, which can easily prevent a student from pursuing a humanities and arts degree. Compared to a STEM one, it is sometimes seen as less valuable to many people. Everyone wants to be respected, but if what they do for a living creates a barrier to that, students will be rather skeptical of whether or not to be solely committed to arts.
Schools might indirectly discourage students from their involvement in arts too, leaving it up to the parents if they wish to sign their children/teenagers up in acting, piano or violin classes outside of the school program; as if that’s not important. Schools rarely encourage students to do something creative during their time in academia. Most of the time in school curriculums, arts are missing. They don’t leave space for students, even those whose talent lies in the arts, to express themselves in a creative manner. How will they know that it is acceptable to pursue a degree in arts, if they are not given the option?
Art should be a vital part in people’s lives. Through creative activities, people develop the creative part of their brain and enhance their imagination. Arts also allow them to express their emotions and thoughts and worldviews, while it helps them strengthen their emotional world. Through the arts, cultural heritage also is preserved. Investing in arts can keep local traditions alive and allow people to express themselves in the same way the older generations did.
Life is about balance. While art is essential, STEM subjects are equally important in people’s development. Arts are needed to enhance people’s creative world, while STEM subjects strengthen logical and rational thinking leading them to innovations which can help people’s lives.
Image Credit: Arts Hub
