Literacy vs. functional literacy
Literacy is usually defined as the ability to read, write, and do math. But what do we mean by reading? People may be able to read the words in a document, but can they grasp its arguments or analogies? How about writing? Students may be able to write or type sentences, but can they express complete, cogent thoughts? Then there’s math. Workers may be able to count, add, and subtract; but do they know how to analyze graphs, interpret statistics, or plan budgets? These are skills needed to make decisions and function well in daily life.
Clearly, reading or writing words and numbers is not enough to assess literacy. People need to be able to understand and use those words and numbers for practical purposes, such as deliberating ideas and solving problems. This broader definition of literacy is called functional literacy.
What is functional literacy?
Functional literacy refers to the practical skill set needed to read, write, and do math for real-life purposes, so people can function effectively in their community. This definition comes from the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, an international agency that researches education, science, and communication.
In the U.S., functional literacy is assessed by the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, or NAAL. NAAL is put together every few years by the National Center for Education Statistics, a research division of the Institute of Education Sciences in the Department of Education. This research classifies literacy according to four levels:
1) Below Basic Literacy: reading and writing words and numbers in very simple documents.
Examples: locating easily identifiable information on a chart; signing a form; adding a dollar amount to a deposit slip.
2) Basic Literacy: performing simple skills to understand short texts.
Examples: reading a pamphlet; using a TV guide; comparing ticket prices.
3) Intermediate Literacy: performing challenging skills to understand long texts.
Examples: looking up information in a reference book; summarizing a long article; placing an order and calculating the cost.
4) Proficient Literacy: performing creative and critical thinking skills to understand dense or complex texts.
Examples: comparing viewpoints in editorials; interpreting statistical graphs; measuring and calculating the costs of food items per ounce.
Notice that as we advance from Below Basic to Basic, Intermediate, and Proficient, we go from simple tasks to more and more complex skills.
Functional literacy = functional society
So, how functionally literate is the U.S.? According to NAAL’s results, 87% of U.S adults can’t perform at the Proficient level; and 14% of the population—1 out of every 7 people—are functionally illiterate, or perform Below Basic level.
Many leaders, of course, find those figures alarming. For instance, an undeniable point made by high-profile businesspeople is that the 21st-century economy demands highly skilled workers with knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)—or, better yet, STEAM (same subjects plus Arts).
Functional literacy, however, is about much more than getting a job. It’s also about preserving skills that our society needs to function. If we don’t have individuals with mathematical knowledge, reading and writing skills, or analytical abilities, we won’t have functioning businesses, governments, or communities. In other words, we need functional literacy to have a functional society.
Consequently, functional illiteracy will mean living in a dysfunctional society, as satirized by the movie Idiocracy.
Hence, with these definitions and stats in mind, let’s look at some examples of functional literacy that prevent society from becoming dysfunctional.
Kinds of functional literacy
Media Literacy is the ability to access, evaluate, and create messages through different types of media. Its purpose is to turn people from mindless consumers into thoughtful citizens who aren’t susceptible to propaganda or misleading ads.
Religious Literacy is the ability to interpret religious scriptures and communicate with different faiths. Religious literacy is important for combating fundamentalism (e.g., religious fanaticism) and prejudice (e.g., xenophobia).
Financial Literacy is the ability to manage finances and make decisions about money. Whether you’re a consumer, a business owner, or a voter, understanding financial budgets, interest rates, and savings is an essential life skill.
Computer Literacy is the ability to use computers. This skill set can range from basic competency (i.e., using applications like email and Microsoft Office) to advanced knowledge (e.g., programming and computer science).
Legal Literacy is the ability to comprehend laws so you are able to follow policies and legal procedures.
Scientific Literacy does not necessarily mean memorizing facts. Rather, it’s knowing how to conduct experiments and identify evidence that supports or contradicts preconceived beliefs or hypotheses.
Health Literacy is the ability to understand healthcare information, particularly for making medical decisions or lifestyle choices about nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other factors that affect physical and mental well-being.
Civic Literacy (a.k.a. Civics) is awareness of how government works as well as your rights and responsibilities as a citizen and voter.
Functional literacy and technology
Now, because our society is so high-tech, it’s important to emphasize two key points about functional literacy—namely, by connecting it to technology.
First, functional literacy is primarily about skills or applied knowledge.
It’s only secondarily about facts or subject-matter knowledge. For example, scientific literacy doesn’t mean you’ve memorized the intricacies of how quantum computers work. Instead, it means you know how to ask questions and apply methods of verification or falsification that make such technologies possible.
Second, functional literacy keeps our high-tech society functioning.
The kinds of functional literacy mentioned are relative to today’s highly complex, technological society, but that doesn’t make them any less valid. For instance, the ancient Greeks got by fine without media literacy or computer literacy, but that’s because they didn’t have digital networks. If these examples of functional literacy are unique to our high-tech society, we evidently need them.
Know of any other kinds of functional literacy I forgot to mention? Leave a comment below, or check out more Educational Topics on this site.