Social networks and the "Training Gospel"

Strathdee, R. and Hughes, D. (2000) Social networks and the "Training Gospel". New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies, 35 (2). pp. 131-143.

Abstract

This article questions the widely assumed connection between qualifications and employment and suggests that poorly qualified school leavers rely on accessing social networks to find employment more than they rely on acquiring relevant qualifications. To test this hypothesis, the article draws on data generated in interviews conducted with 10 tutors working for Private Training Establishments and two senior managers employed by Skill New Zealand. The data presented suggest that to get students into employment, and thus supply the training outcomes purchased by Skill New Zealand, the tutors relied heavily on their network capital. In this respect, Skill New Zealand has emerged as a purchaser of social networks.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Education
Publisher:	New Zealand Association for Research in Education
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/34819

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