Regional lifelong learning policies and the social vulnerability of young adults in Girona and Vienna

Rambla, X., Kazepov, Y., Jacovkis, J. , Alexander, L. and Parreira Do Amaral, M. (2020) Regional lifelong learning policies and the social vulnerability of young adults in Girona and Vienna. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 39(1), pp. 48-60. (doi: 10.1080/02601370.2019.1678691)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

This article explores the interface between lifelong learning policies and the definition of social vulnerability of young adults in two regions located within the European Union. Girona comprises a constellation of small towns with important industry, service and hospitality sectors. Vienna is a global city where many key international operators are based and employ a large number of highly qualified professionals. The article explores to what extent the meta-governance and the ‘causal narratives’ of lifelong learning policies contribute towards shaping the prevailing images of youth vulnerability in these regions. In Girona, bureaucratic governance patterns lifelong learning policies, which strongly rely on the potential of career guidance to encourage the youth to undertake further education. Correspondingly, policy designs and professional discourses emphasise that the beneficiaries previously failed at school. In Vienna, authorities govern lifelong learning by means of both bureaucracy and complex networks of employers and non-profit organisations. The ‘causal narrative’ of the policies straightforwardly claims that all youth must have an experience with employment, whether in apprenticeships or in transitional workshops that emulate real jobs. There, policies portray beneficiaries according to their capacity to undertake and finish apprenticeships.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Jacovkis, Dr Judith
Authors: Rambla, X., Kazepov, Y., Jacovkis, J., Alexander, L., and Parreira Do Amaral, M.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education
Journal Name:International Journal of Lifelong Education
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0260-1370
ISSN (Online):1464-519X
Published Online:22 October 2019

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
172500YOUNG ADULLLTOscar ValienteEuropean Commission (EC)693167ED - The Robert Owen Centre for Educational Change