LETTER: That we still argue against ‘soft degrees’ and the humanities in tertiary education, is unacceptable
Magda Wierzycka’s opinion piece on tertiary education surprised me, as I have usually found her take on South African economics to be cogent, critical and thought-provoking (SA needs qualifications for hard skills, not soft degrees, February 28). While I agree with her question as to whether university education is indeed the best way to equip SA youth for the challenges of the future, I am disappointed at her low opinion of the humanities, and by extension soft skills, when she states that "resources should not be wasted on ‘soft’ degrees". The argument for "STEM to STEAM" education in the US is seeded in the understanding that the humanities are critical as a progressive enabler and key to many other skills. Yes, perhaps the humanities teach "soft skills" – but there is good reason why cultural diplomacy is considered soft power. (Soft, but power nevertheless.) The humanities and social sciences teach critical thinking, emotional and cultural intelligence and engagement, as well a...
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