Why is mathematics important?

A report into mathematics education, Making Mathematics Count, 2004, by Professor Adrian Smith, offers a number of reasons why mathematics is important. In one of the paragraphs the report outlines the importance of mathematics to modern society:

'Mathematics is of central importance to modern society. It provides the vital underpinning of the knowledge economy. It is essential in the physical sciences, technology, business, financial services and many areas of ICT. It is also of growing importance in biology, medicine and many of the social sciences. Mathematics forms the basis of most scientific and industrial research and development. Increasingly, many complex systems and structures in the modern world can only be understood using mathematics and much of the design and control of high-technology systems depends on mathematical inputs and outputs.'
Smith, 2004 Making Mathematics Count

For most of us, our awareness of the role of mathematics in modern society is as a user of the end products rather than from a direct involvement in the process. Children seek the latest electronic goods and adults benefit from the medical advances that result from those processes listed above. But the report also offers a more fundamental set of reasons for children and adults to learn mathematics.

'The acquisition of at least basic mathematical skills - commonly referred to as "numeracy"- is vital to the life opportunities and achievements of individual citizens. Research shows that problems with basic skills have a continuing adverse effect on people's lives and that problems with numeracy lead to the greatest disadvantages for the individual in the labour market and in terms of general social exclusion. Individuals with limited basic mathematical skills are less likely to be employed and, if they are employed, are less likely to have been promoted or to have received further training.'
Smith, 2004 Making Mathematics Count

This more pragmatic viewpoint is one to which all primary teachers can subscribe. The primary curriculum is the point at which children's acquisition of these basic mathematical skills starts and, for most children, it is a very successful experience. They leave primary schools well equipped to progress and succeed in the future labour market. But this pragmatic view, while important, does not say anything about how a study of the subject might improve individual children and help them to become more rounded persons. Here is a final quote from the report.

'Mathematics provides a powerful universal language and intellectual toolkit for abstraction, generalisation and synthesis. It is the language of science and technology. It enables us to probe the natural universe and to develop new technologies that have helped us control and master our environment, and change societal expectations and standards of living. Mathematical skills are highly valued and sought after. Mathematical training disciplines the mind, develops logical and critical reasoning and develops analytical and problem-solving skills to a high degree.'
Smith, 2004 Making Mathematics Count

Here, the justification for mathematics being important is in its ability to develop and support children's thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills. The skills embedded in mathematics and the discipline of learning and using mathematics provides children with other cognitive skills that they can use across and beyond the school curriculum. The training received through the study of mathematics provides children with skills that are in high demand. The ability to analyse information and to solve problems are key skills embedded in the primary curriculum, within which mathematics has a significant role to play.
In summary, mathematics makes a significant contribution to modern society; the basic skills of mathematics are vital for the life opportunities of our children; and mathematics develops the mind and those highly valued cognitive skills.