Despite education being free — and mandatory until age 16 — literacy rates in the U.S. have been declining for a long time. Approximately half of American adults read below a sixth-grade level, and about a fifth of adults can’t read at all. Children are also struggling: for example, slightly less than half of kindergarten students in the 2021–2022 school year could read at their level. This impacts their lives, both present and future, and gives them fewer options in life. Let’s take a look at the reasons for the decline and why we should care.
Why Do Literacy Rates Matter?
Literacy isn’t just about being able to read and write — it’s also about comprehending words, developing critical thinking, and more. These skills are necessary not only in education, but in every aspect of life. In order for people, and countries, to thrive, high literacy rates are a must.
Low literacy rates, regardless of age, lead to struggle, lower quality of life, and less satisfaction with their lives, not to mention the impact this has on people’s minds by lowering self-esteem and damaging mental health.
Lack of Access to Services
Even those who can read a little struggle in society. Without a higher level of reading and comprehension, adults can’t access services that they may need, whether it’s a service to help them improve their literacy, health insurance, or another necessary service. They might not be able to sign up for said services, or even know about them at all, and this severely impacts quality of life.
Struggle with Employment
Whether they cannot get a job or do not complete the necessary tasks, people with lower literacy skills tend to struggle with employment. They may not be able to maintain their jobs, or they may be passed over for promotion by someone with higher literacy skills. Employers are also less likely to hire those with lower literacy levels, as the company will lose profits.
Correlation with Poorer Health
People with lower literacy rates may have limited access to information, including health information. This often leads to issues such as fewer doctor visits, less knowledge of basic health information, struggles to take necessary medication properly, and an inability to access proper preventative programs. Low literacy generally means poorer health, and this is a vicious cycle.
Cycle of Poverty
Those with lower literacy in schools are more likely to drop out, and they struggle to find employment. Even jobs they can find are usually ones with low wages, and with inflation, they often can’t afford necessities. They are more likely to need to take out loans or to have exploitative payment plans for debt, and this keeps them— and their families, particularly children — in the same unforgiving cycle of poverty.
This article doesn’t insult or harm people with lower literacy rates but highlights why low literacy is harmful and needs to be addressed. Hopefully, articles like this won’t be needed one day.
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