If you are the owner of a company, how important is it for your team to understand laws, ethics, and civics?
In the U.S., only 22% of 8th graders demonstrate proficiency in civics, meaning the vast majority lack a solid understanding of the Constitution, government structure, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. This deficiency extends into higher education, where many college students struggle to identify fundamental constitutional principles, such as the separation of powers, the Bill of Rights, and the role of different branches of government.
The issue doesn’t stop with civics or students—34% of adults lack basic math skills, which directly impacts their ability to interpret contracts, understand tax obligations, calculate interest rates on loans, and make informed financial decisions. Without a foundation in numeracy, many individuals are vulnerable to predatory financial practices, legal misinterpretations, and difficulties in managing business operations.
I believe this education gap affects both the workforce and society at large. Employees and team members who do not grasp legal frameworks or ethical considerations may struggle with compliance, workplace rights, and corporate governance. Similarly, a lack of civic knowledge weakens democratic participation, leading to disengaged citizens who are less likely to vote, serve on juries, or advocate for informed policy decisions.
So with this in mind, how sustainable is a society where large segments of the population lack the skills to engage meaningfully in legal, financial, and civic matters?
As an employer, does any of this shape your hiring and leadership choices?
Mitch Jackson, Esq. | https://bsky.app/profile/mitch.social
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Resources:
The Crisis Neither Party Is Equipped to Handle https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/12/the-crisis-neither-party-is-equipped-to-handle/680966/
In a Test of Adult Know-How, America Comes Up Short https://www.wsj.com/us-news/america-us-math-proficiency-falling-1b5ac73c
US college students can’t name Father of the Constitution, have shocking gaps in civic knowledge https://nypost.com/2024/07/16/us-news/college-students-are-dismally-ignorant-on-civics-knowledge-survey/