Research Handbook on the Sociology of Education
Edited by Rolf Becker
Chapter 16: Vocational education and training in comparative perspective
Corinna Kleinert and Marita Jacob
Abstract
The advantages and disadvantages of vocational education and training (VET) have been highly debated in recent years: on the one hand VET is criticized for reproducing social inequality by channelling less privileged students into medium-skilled jobs, while keeping them away from higher education. On the other hand, VET is highly praised for generating smooth transitions to the labour market. In addition, vocationally trained workers might have difficulties adapting to new challenges later in their careers. This chapter aims to present an overview on (1) the relevance and forms of VET existing today, (2) theoretical concepts and (3) recent empirical studies in the field of VET, with a particular focus on comparative research. Comparing countries and country-specific institutions of VET within education systems allows to describe functional equivalents of providing and acquiring vocational qualifications, to compare inequality of access to education beyond compulsory schooling, and to evaluate the impact of institutions on transitions from school to work and later working careers.
You are not authenticated to view the full text of this chapter or article.
Elgaronline requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books or journals. Please login through your library system or with your personal username and password on the homepage.
Non-subscribers can freely search the site, view abstracts/ extracts and download selected front matter and introductory chapters for personal use.
Your library may not have purchased all subject areas. If you are authenticated and think you should have access to this title, please contact your librarian.