As I understand it, the development of the current secondary and post-secondary educational system has been related to the economy. Part of the educational system is driven based on anticipated job growth, while part of it is based on keeping people busy during a shrinking economy of negative job growth.
During the "Great Depression" in the US, about 1929-1939*, as a means to keep unemployed persons busy there was a surge toward having more people attend high school.
An acquaintance from another country once shared that as the economy tanked, there was rampant degree inflation resulting in a highly educated populace: PhDs held jobs serving fast food, if they were fortunate.
*"It's a recession if your neighbor is unemployed and a depression if you are unemployed."
