One of the widely discussed issues nowadays is whether illiteracy is primarily a problem of developing nations or a growing issue in developed countries like the USA and Australia. It is undeniable that literacy has become an essential part of our lives. In this essay, I will examine the factors responsible for rising illiteracy in developed nations and the effects on society.
One of the main causes of rising illiteracy in developed countries is poverty. It is a result of children from low-income families attending underfunded schools with high student-to-teacher ratios, which impedes individualized attention and effective learning. The second cause that might be noted, in my view, is the digital age’s impact. Digital entertainment diverts attention from reading and writing, reducing the emphasis on traditional literacy skills.
The first cause mentioned above has led to limited employment opportunities, as individuals who struggle with reading find it challenging to complete job applications or understand contracts. This has provoked higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, contributing to a cycle of poverty and social exclusion. Another problem that follows is decreased civic participation. One consequence of this is that individuals who cannot read or write are less likely to engage in community activities or understand their legal rights, leading to increased crime rates.
Having weighed everything mentioned up, we can conclude that addressing illiteracy requires a comprehensive approach. Increasing educational resources in developing countries is crucial, but developed nations must also tackle factors contributing to rising illiteracy rates, such as poverty and the influence of digital entertainment. It would not be surprising to see some improvements in the near future. In other words, reducing illiteracy might happen, and we should be ready to bear all the positive consequences of that.