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Allen argues that education should not be narrowly focused on vocational training and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education alone, but must also prepare students for civic participation.

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Civic education is often overlooked and disregarded, however, Allen claims that education that prepares young adults for civic participation is essential to mitigating societal and economic inequalities, even moreso than vocational focused education. This is because these inequalities are not a result of technological advancement but a consequence of political policies and choices.

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Education has been heavily dominated over the past few decades by the vocational side of things, focusing mainly on STEM and ways to prepare students for the workforce, however this model has limits regarding mitigating economic inequalities.

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Education policy shifted from civic education to vocational training due to Cold War concerns and later economic policies.

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National Defense Education Act (NDEA) – 1958: Increased funding for STEM subjects at all levels of education (K-12/College), adding stronger emphasis on these subjects.

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STEM focused education is important for students' vocational preparation, however neglecting civic education means that economic disparities will continue to exist because without civic engagement, policies upholding these inequalities will continue to stay in place.

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"Piketty agrees that the wage premium on skill can explain only part of growing U.S. income inequality: political forces shape distributive outcomes, and there are limits to how much the advantages of education can be moderated through the dissemination of technological skills."

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Even economists that heavily support a STEM and vocational focused approach to education concede that the pay disparity can not be wholely blamed on a difference in skillset/education, but has to do with policies in place as well. Further emphasizing the sub claim that although vocational education is important, civic education is necessary to change societal and economic inequalities.

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Allen's use of the definition and impact of civic agency: disinterested deliberation --> frame shifting --> fair fighting, as a direct result of civic education shows the importance of a civic education so that these societal shifts can occur.

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Allen used historical examples of civic agency being beneficial for the shifting of societal norms and values, bringing up MLK's movement as well as Occupy Wall Street in order to emphasize the point that civic education and agency is extremely important for the welfare of the country. Further pushing the agenda that vocational focused education is not the sole solution for economic inequality.

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"What is Education For?" (Danielle Allen)

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Allen, Danielle. What Is Education For_2016

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According to the above article by Danielle Allen, the American education system has been overly focused on vocational education over the past few decades, subsequently neglecting civic education. Allen cites experts advocating for both sides of the argument, along with her own personal claims and opinions throughout the article.

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A counterclaim to Allen's main argument would be that vocational education is necessary for political and economic inequalities to be mitigated, and that it has done a better job at making skills more widespread giving more equal opportunity for all.