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Navigating an Uncertain Labor Market in the UK: The Role of Structure and Agency in the Transition from School to Work

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  • Ingrid Schoon

Abstract

This article reviews the evidence on young people in the UK making the transition from school to work in a changing socioeconomic climate. The review draws largely on evidence from national representative panels and follows the lives of different age cohorts. I show that there has been a trend toward increasingly uncertain and precarious employment opportunities for young people since the 1970s, as well as persisting inequalities in educational and occupational attainment. The joint role of social structure and human agency in shaping youth transitions is discussed. I argue that current UK policies have forgotten about half of the population of young people who do not go to university, by not providing viable pathways and leaving more and more young people excluded from good jobs and employment prospects. Recommendations are made for policies aimed at supporting the vulnerable and at provision of career options for those not engaged in higher education.

Suggested Citation

  • Ingrid Schoon, 2020. "Navigating an Uncertain Labor Market in the UK: The Role of Structure and Agency in the Transition from School to Work," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 688(1), pages 77-92, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:688:y:2020:i:1:p:77-92
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716220905569
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