This article argues that, if education is considered as a means of increasing human capital, then the potential exists for exploitation of the learners through the inequitable distribution of the value accruing from their research activities. To illustrate the argument, I discuss these issues through the lens of a work-based professional doctorate…

Investments made to improve the educational level of the population are beneficial for the society. Nevertheless, in order to reap a considerable part of these benefits, there must be a fit between the trained human capital and the needs of the labour world. If this does not happen, an entirely undesirable educational gap will occur. This gap can…

By applying Amartya Sen's capability approach, this article questions the functionalist idea that suggests that education can precipitate economic growth and development. It will be argued that the freedom-centred perspective advances the concept of human capital and that it allows a deeper understanding of the relationship between higher…

Formulates a "filter" that enables better understanding of industry's educational needs, using Marxist concepts of capital and labor power. The filter is based on assumptions that employers' needs can be stated, that there are no contradictions within labor power, and that employers' labor needs can be realized through education and…

This article focuses on the impact of ethnic background on employment and earnings among people with a vocational education in Norway. I differentiate between three different groups: majority, first-generation non-Westerners and second-generation non-Westerners. Panel data from several public register databases of the entire population of…

Based on research in South Wales, a sociological theory of participation in education and training is developed, identifying types of orientations: functional avoidance, instrumental credentialism, and vocational transformation. The inclusion of sociological insights in human-capital development policy is recommended. (SK)

This article focuses on the relationship between credentials and the occupational structure, drawing on quantitative research data from a study of UK graduates with first-class honours degrees. Within a knowledge-driven economy, in the UK it is commonly assumed that university graduates with the highest credentials will receive the best employment…

Comparison of early labor market experiences of two British cohorts born in 1958 and 1970 shows that, among the younger group, those without academic qualifications had consistently higher unemployment rates than their older counterparts who similarly lacked basic skills. Key requirements for employability have demonstrably increased over time.…

In this study, the effects of several educational and non-educational indicators of competence on short-term labour market outcomes for university graduates are estimated. The research question is: to what extent do indications of specific and generic competence during the educational program predict labour market outcomes? Labour market outcomes…

Explores how an advertising degree course had to be positioned between competing definitions of valid and relevant, academic and experiential knowledge. Locates the issues within the context of credential inflation--credentials become worth less as more people acquire them. (SK)

A survey of 303 British Year 11 students found that they recognize the growth of flexible/nonstandard employment but most prefer the traditional ideal of standard employment. Those with higher attainment expectations were more negative about nonstandard employment. Females and those currently employed were less negative. (Contains 28 references.)…