From what I saw, the author was saying that the two functions of college should be separated. Part of college is classes and academic preparation. Part of it is social, meeting like minded and intelligent people.
He made the point that the social aspect of college is primarily a function of economic background...people who are middle class or above go to college to meet people and be exposed to new ideas, while lower income people have to work and make great sacrifices just to get a degree and the opportunities that come with it.
It would be nice if the two were separated so that more people could afford to get the piece of paper without paying so much money for the social experience.
He made the point that the social aspect of college is primarily a function of economic background...people who are middle class or above go to college to meet people and be exposed to new ideas, while lower income people have to work and make great sacrifices just to get a degree and the opportunities that come with it.
It would be nice if the two were separated so that more people could afford to get the piece of paper without paying so much money for the social experience.