Moving Toward Decent Work: Application of the Psychology of Working Theory to the School-to-Work Transition

Abstract

This conceptual contribution aims to adapt and apply Psychology of Working Theory to the specificities of the school-to-work transition (STWT) process. The STWT is thus conceptualized as a first attempt to access decent work under the influence of specific predictors, mediators, and moderators and leading to particular outcomes. Based on recent literature, we consider that (1) socioeconomic constraints and belonging to marginalized groups are contextual predictors of a successful transition; (2) psychosocial resources, including self-efficacy and adaptability, and vocational and work role identity, are mediators of the relation between contextual factors and a successful transition; (3) moderator factors include the education system, labor market conditions, social support, and critical consciousness; and (4) decent and meaningful work are the optimal outcomes of the STWT process.

Emerging Job Precariousness: Work Experiences and Expectations of Low-Qualified Young Workers in Switzerland

“…This is particularly important for disadvantaged emerging adults such as low-qualified and immigrant people (Schneider et al, 2015). To reach that goal, however, institutional and economic characteristics must be taken into account, such as the specific labor market situation and characteristics of the education system of the country where emerging adults live and grow up (Arnett et al, 2014; Masdonati et al, submitted).…”

“…At the same time, qualifications become a key factor preventing them from marginalization and precarious labor market integration processes (Furlong, 2006; Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD], 2017). Understanding the situation of low-qualified young adults who experience so-called “floundering” labor market integration processes (Krahn et al, 2015) is then a crucial research topic within the literature not only on emerging adulthood but also vocational psychology and career development (Masdonati et al, submitted).…”

Centering Matrices of Domination: Steps Toward a More Intersectional Vocational Psychology

“…Additionally, through the lens of PWT, the experiences of marginalized groups have been key in identifying elements that both hinder and buffer access to decent work. Examples include the association of economic resources and oppression on decent work with racially and ethnically diverse adults , and the role of marginalization and economic constraints on school to work transition (Masdonati et al, 2021).…”

“If I won the lottery…”: work orientations of low-qualified young adults in Albania and Switzerland

“…The school-to-work transition (STWT) is a significant moment of people's career paths (Masdonati et al, 2021;Vuolo et al, 2014), given that the first occupational experiences influence careers in the long-term (Egdell & Beck, 2020;Yeung, & Yang, 2020). For example, early employment instability negatively impacts later earnings, occupational status, and career satisfaction (Krahn et al 2015).…”

“…For example, early employment instability negatively impacts later earnings, occupational status, and career satisfaction (Krahn et al 2015). Educational factors and labor market conditions are among the most important determinants of the quality of the STWT process (Masdonati et al, 2021). In general, young people with higher levels of education have better chances to find a job and access secure careers (Danziger & Ratner, 2010).…”