The growing gap in cognitive skills within and between countries

Lutz, W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7975-8145 (2025). The growing gap in cognitive skills within and between countries. Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 23 (1) 1-10. 10.1553/p-5g8c-k457.

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Abstract

In this contribution two recent studies on the inequality of trends in cognitive skills are discussed. One uses longitudinal data on tested adult literacy and numeracy in Germany and finds that for the more educated and those in intellectually demanding jobs, skills continue to improve up to higher working ages, while for those with low starting levels and blue-collar jobs, skills start to decline already in the thirties. Another study estimates global level trends in skills in literacy adjusted mean years of schooling and finds a growing gap in skills between countries, despite some convergence in formal educational attainment levels. This article discusses selected possible consequences of this growing inequality in skills within and between countries, and outlines a further research agenda.

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