The Trouble with Human Capital Theory

The Trouble with Human Capital Theory
Fix, Blair. (2018). Working Papers on Capital as Power. No. 2018/07. August. pp. 1-24. (Article - Working Paper; English).

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Alternative Locations

http://www.capitalaspower.com/2018/08/2018-07-fix-the-trouble-with-human-capital-theory/, https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/181668

Abstract or Brief Description

Human capital theory is the dominant approach for understanding personal income distribution. According to this theory, individual income is the result of ‘human capital’. The idea is that human capital makes people more productive, which leads to higher income. But is this really the case? This paper takes a critical look at human capital theory and its explanation of personal income distribution. I find that human capital theory’s claims are dubious at best. In most cases, the theory is either not supported by evidence, is so vague that it is untestable, or is based on circular reasoning. In short, human capital theory is a barrier to the scientific study of income distribution.

Language

English

Publication Type

Article - Working Paper

Keywords

critique human capital theory income distribution hierarchy power productivity

Subject

BN Power
BN Production
BN Region - North America
BN Distribution

Depositing User

Jonathan Nitzan

Date Deposited

22 Aug 2018 14:33

Last Modified

30 Aug 2018 01:17

URL:

https://bnarchives.net/id/eprint/551

Available Versions of this Item

The Trouble with Human Capital Theory. (deposited 22 Aug 2018 14:33) [Currently Displayed]
- The Trouble with Human Capital Theory. (deposited 10 Dec 2018 20:09)

Commentary/Response Threads

Fix, Blair The Trouble with Human Capital Theory. (deposited 22 Aug 2018 14:33) [Currently Displayed]
- Chavagneux, Christian La théorie du capital humain, c’est du baratin! (deposited 13 Dec 2018 04:52)

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