In the area of education and training, different configurations of government with different institutional structures may produce similar or quite different educational and employment outcomes. Other factors come into play in assessing outcomes. For example, young people's transitions from education to work are shaped by a variety of structural…

This article analyses reforms addressing and affecting the curriculum and organisation of Swedish upper secondary education over 40 years, up to an initiative by the present non-socialist government. The aim is to analyse the current reform of upper secondary education and relate it to previous reforms during a 40-year period in terms of…

A discussion of vocational education in Swedish high schools covers the vocational education system's structure within and outside secondary schools, enrollment and employment patterns, curriculum and work experience options, curriculum content and quality, and issues of current concern. (MSE)

This article discusses recent developments in the vocationalization and professionalization of Greek higher education, in the context of creation of a single European market and the advancement of research-generated knowledge. Also examined are the social dimensions of the dual concept of higher education in Greece and the political structural…

This paper analyzes Irish governmental policy related to quantitative and qualitative changes at the institutional level in the degree of "professionalization" and "vocationalization" in institutions of higher education. An evaluative state is seen emerging which emphasizes market values and a competitive model of higher…

The Dutch binary system of higher education and trends toward increased vocationalism are discussed. The article notes the governmental policy to encourage the technical and natural sciences and explores new relationships between the university and higher vocational education sectors. A policy of parity in resources with clear distinction of the…

This article examines differentiation of the German state sector in higher education and the implementation of the vocationally oriented "Fachhochschulen." It then discusses the privately organized "third sector," consequences of German unification, and present tertiary adaptations to new needs and expectations in state and…

The structure of higher education in Switzerland is outlined and the roles of the universities, higher technical schools, and social schools are described. Also addressed are: research and higher education, the labor market, student characteristics, and the future outlook for Swiss higher education. (BH)