The Disposable Academic

An article in the Economist  (print edition, 18-31/12/2010, 146-8) analyses the plight of many of the world's Ph Ds. Many can expect nothing more a succession of miserable post-doc fellowships, short-term contracts or part-time jobs teaching remedial or matriculation classes. And those are the lucky ones who actually get their diploma.

It seems that the financial return for a Ph D is only marginally higher than that for a master's. Since there are undoubtedly variations by institution and discipline, it follows that for many joining a doctoral program is a losing proposition in every way.

One wonders whether countries like South Africa and some in Southeast Asia are creating future problems in the drive to boost the production of Ph Ds.