Final answer:
The statement is false. Investments in human capital, signified by the emphasis on education, typically correlate with increased secondary and tertiary-sector employment, rather than primary-sector employment. Such investments are crucial for economic growth and social development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement regarding the growing emphasis on education and human capital reflecting an increase in primary-sector employment is false. When we talk about investments in human capital, the focus is generally on the development of education and skills that enhance the productivity of individuals in the workforce. This educational investment is more aligned with increases in secondary and tertiary-sector employment, which are sectors heavily reliant on skilled labor and knowledge-based services. In fact, historical and modern trends show a shift from primary sector employment (e.g., agriculture, mining) toward the secondary sector (e.g., manufacturing) and the tertiary sector (e.g., services, IT). Countries that have invested heavily in education, particularly in encouraging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, have seen substantial benefits in their economic growth and productivity.
Moreover, public investment in human capital through education facilitates a range of positive social and economic outcomes. Governments play a large role in this investment, recognizing that a highly educated and skilled workforce is vital for economic expansion. This is true globally, as education not only increases individual productivity and earnings but also contributes to broader economic growth and poverty reduction. Education reduces inequality and provides various social benefits, such as reductions in crime and mortality rates, increased political participation, and empowerment for individuals, especially women.
Historical evidence, such as Europe's post-World War II recovery, underscores the importance of human capital. Even after significant losses in physical capital during the war, Europe was able to rebuild and enhance its productive capacity within two decades. This was largely attributed to the skilled workers and technological knowledge within the continent's market-oriented economy. Therefore, the link between human capital investment and secondary-sector employment is much more robust than that with primary-sector employment.