Mediating the transition to work : the role of employment and career advisers in comparative perspective

Darmon, Isabelle (author), Kopač, Anja (author)

Across Europe, social security systems have been reformed with a clear goal of 'activating' individuals towards labour market participation. This means that citizens are protected from market forces to a lesser extent than in preceding decades since they face greater restrictions in accessing income maintenance schemes in times of need (e.g. when they confront the risk of unemployment or are unable to work because of health problems, disability or caring responsibilities). Within this context, we draw on evidence from a three-year empirical study of four European countries (France, Slovenia, Spain and the UK) to reflect on the purposes of employment advice and career guidance programmes and services from a range of perspectives (policy makers, managers, advisers and users). We argue that distinct 'types' of advice and guidance exist and that these play crucial roles in mediating different types of transition between joblessness and paid employment (for the unemployed, inactive groups and workers at risk of redundancy). Furthermore, we explore the implications of different configurations of employment advice and career guidance for service users. In particular, we consider the ways in which desired outcomes are produced in practice through transforming the welfare subject, including the shaping of individual expectations and the construction of 'realistic projects'.

• Language: English
• Work type: Not categorized
• Typology: 1.08 - Published Scientific Conference Contribution
• Organization: FDV - Faculty of Social Sciences
• Year: 2007
• Number of pages: 26 str.
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-44915
• UDC: 331.5:36
• COBISS.SI-ID: 27657821
• Publication date in RUL: 10.07.2015