Developmental significance of part-time employment for Irish adolescents

Stack, N., McKechnie, J. and Hobbs, S. (2001) Developmental significance of part-time employment for Irish adolescents. Irish Journal of Psychology, 22(1), pp. 39-54.

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Abstract

Notes that research in both Britain and the US has established that paid employment is part of the normal experience of most adolescents in the middle and later years of schooling. Evidence is also available suggesting that such work may have an impact, sometimes beneficial and sometimes harmful, on the education of those who work, as well as on their social and cognitive development. Interpretation of research data is complicated by the fact that those doing least well at school may be most inclined to seek employment. The aim of this paper is to discuss the implications of employment experiences for adolescent development and draw particular attention to the role of psychology in the process. In addition, the paper aims to establish the state of research on adolescent employment in Ireland and to compare the findings with existing studies in Britain and the US. Research on adolescent employment in Ireland has so far been limited, but it would appear that Irish children are about as likely to have part-time jobs as children in Britain. Since the possibility of cultural differences makes generalization between societies problematic, it is proposed that research is needed on both the extent of adolescent employment in Ireland and on its educational and psychological impact.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Stack, Professor Niamh
Authors: Stack, N., McKechnie, J., and Hobbs, S.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
L Education > LC Special aspects of education
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education
Journal Name:Irish Journal of Psychology
ISSN:0303-3910

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