Why Ramaswamy Says America Needs a Cultural Shift Toward Excellence for the Sake of US Students

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Vivek Ramaswamy Advocates for a Cultural Shift Toward Academic Excellence to Secure America’s Future (Getty Images) In a thought-provoking post, Vivek Ramaswamy, the American entrepreneur and politician best known for founding Roivant Sciences, argues that America’s academic decline can be traced to cultural norms that devalue excellence and celebrate mediocrity. Ramaswamy, who made waves in 2023 when he ran for the Republican presidential nomination before suspending his campaign, suggests that the United States needs a shift toward a more achievement-oriented form of parenting and cultural values to foster a culture of excellence and success. According to Ramaswamy, American society has long exalted "normalcy" over excellence, leading to a generation of students who struggle to compete on a global stage. Academic Achievement is Declining in the US Ramaswamy’s critique is rooted in a broader trend of declining academic performance among American students. According to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as the “Nation’s Report Card,” U.S. students have shown stagnation or decline in key subjects like math and reading. For instance, the 2022 NAEP results revealed that 9-year-olds' math scores fell to their lowest level in over two decades, a concerning indicator of long-term trends. In addition to academic struggles, U.S. students consistently lag behind their international peers in critical subjects. For example, the 2018 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test, which evaluates the academic performance of 15-year-olds across the world, placed U.S. students far behind top-performing countries such as China, Singapore, and South Korea. The U.S. ranked 37th out of 79 countries in math, 24th in reading, and 25th in science. These statistics underline a pressing need to reassess how American children are raised and educated, particularly in the face of rising global competition for talent. Why America Needs a Shift Toward Achievement-Oriented Parenting Ramaswamy’s call for a shift toward a more achievement-focused parenting model stems from his belief that American society has undervalued academic rigor in favor of a more relaxed, egalitarian culture. As the founder of Roivant Sciences, a pharmaceutical company he started in 2014, Ramaswamy knows firsthand the importance of innovation, discipline, and high expectations to drive success. He notes that immigrant families—particularly those from countries with a strong academic tradition—tend to focus heavily on academic success, pushing their children to excel from a young age. This "achievement-oriented parenting," as Ramaswamy describes it, often involves strict rules, high expectations, and an emphasis on discipline, mirroring the focus on excellence seen in cultures where education is prioritized. Ramaswamy contrasts this with American cultural values, where achievements in academics are often overshadowed by popularity contests and social success. As he writes, “A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers.” Ramaswamy’s argument is that while cultural norms in the U.S. may encourage social well-being and emotional expression, they often undermine the pursuit of excellence in more technical, intellectual domains. The effectiveness of this cultural approach is reflected in the success stories of students raised with high expectations. For example, studies have shown that children of immigrant parents—who typically exhibit more rigorous, achievement-oriented parenting—are more likely to pursue and succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. The National Science Foundation has found that Asian-American students, who often come from immigrant backgrounds with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, are overrepresented in STEM fields in comparison to their share of the U.S. population.

Cultural Choices Contribute to Poor Outcomes A key element of Ramaswamy’s argument is the role culture plays in shaping educational outcomes. He suggests that American culture, with its emphasis on “normalcy” and avoiding hard work, has fostered a generation that lacks the competitive edge necessary for success in a globalized, high-tech economy. He notes that “a culture that venerates mediocrity over excellence” has stifled ambition, particularly in young people, leading to a broader lack of competitiveness in fields that demand intellectual rigor. This cultural dynamic is reflected in the rise of what some scholars call "the achievement gap" between different socioeconomic groups. Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that students from lower-income families consistently perform worse on standardized tests compared to their wealthier peers. Moreover, these gaps in achievement tend to widen as students age, making it more difficult for them to access higher education and compete for high-paying jobs in fields like engineering or technology. While this gap is influenced by many factors, Ramaswamy’s thesis suggests that the broader cultural tendency to prioritize social integration over academic excellence exacerbates the situation. Changing the Narrative: Why "Normalcy" Won’t Cut It Ramaswamy warns that if the U.S. continues to celebrate mediocrity and complacency over discipline and academic rigor, it will be left behind by countries like China, which are investing heavily in education and producing increasingly competitive workforces. His argument aligns with the findings of a report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which has consistently highlighted the critical role of education in a nation’s economic competitiveness. For example, in countries like China and South Korea, a laser-focus on educational achievement has helped produce a workforce capable of leading in technology, engineering, and research. Meanwhile, in the U.S., cultural shifts toward a more relaxed, less demanding educational environment have been linked to decreasing academic performance. Ramaswamy, whose background as an entrepreneur places him in the heart of innovation-driven industries, also points to the rise of “nerd culture” in countries like Japan and South Korea, where academic achievement is lauded, and the pursuit of excellence is woven into the social fabric. The value placed on academic success and high standards in these countries stands in stark contrast to American society’s tendency to elevate athletes, entertainers, and social figures at the expense of intellectuals and innovators. According to a 2020 report by the National Academy of Sciences, nations that prioritize STEM education have seen accelerated economic growth, while countries that fail to do so risk falling behind in the global economy. A Cultural Reawakening for Excellence Vivek Ramaswamy’s call for a shift in American culture—toward a focus on excellence, achievement, and hard work—mirrors a broader societal debate about how to address declining academic performance. As someone who built a successful company and has experience navigating the competitive business world, Ramaswamy understands the importance of a culture that rewards innovation and hard work. By adopting a more "meritocratic" approach to parenting and education, one that values discipline, high standards, and academic success, America may be able to foster a new generation of students who are ready to compete on a global stage. This shift, however, requires more than just individual efforts—it demands a cultural reawakening, where success is no longer viewed as an outlier but as the expected outcome of hard work and discipline. As Ramaswamy suggests, this can be America’s "Sputnik moment," a pivotal turning point where the nation regains its competitive edge. Whether or not this happens will depend on a collective willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about American culture and make the changes necessary to prepare future generations for the challenges ahead. [ad_1]

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