Gendered transitions from education to work: The mysterious relationship between the fields of education and work

J Wyn; H Cuervo; J Crofts; D Woodman

Journal article

Gendered transitions from education to work: The mysterious relationship between the fields of education and work

J Wyn, H Cuervo, J Crofts, D Woodman

Journal of Sociology | Published : 2017

DOI: 10.1177/1440783317700736

Abstract

This article addresses the paradox that, despite achieving educational participation exceeding their male peers, young women see fewer returns for this investment in the labour market. We argue that this paradox is obscured by youth transitions frameworks that assume a close, linear relationship between education and work. We draw on Bourdieu’s concept of field to highlight the distinctive logics (particularly the ‘time economy’) that shape different engagements by young people in education and work. This approach reveals the enduring power of the time structure of paid work in Australia to dominate key dimensions of life, including caring work, placing many women in a situation where they f..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Johanna Wyn Author

Hernan Cuervo Author

Dan Woodman Author

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Grants

Awarded by Australian Research Council

Funding Acknowledgements

The data for this article come from the Life Patterns project, an ongoing longitudinal study of the post-school transitions of two generations of young people in Australia. The study has received funding from a number of sources over its duration. At the time this research was undertaken, the project was supported by an Australian Research Council Grant. Details of the study and its funding are available at: http://education.unimelb.edu.au/yrc/projects/life_patterns