Unemployment Normalization in Different Economic Contexts

A recent strand of research has raised the question of whether a change is underway in the relationships that people have with work and nonwork. This body of work suggests that the manner in which people view unemployment and not working is changing. This chapter pursues and clarifies the first results of this research. The authors hypothesize a process of unemployment normalization, defined as the view that unemployment is a normal or even inevitable phase of life in a person’s career path and is the result of external circumstances rather than personal ones. This was tested with 600 unemployed people in two different economic contexts—France and Luxembourg—using a scale that revealed two latent factors: Justification for current unemployment situation and Perceived normality of unemployment. The findings reveal differences in the degree of normalization according to socioeconomic variables as well as an impact on the perceived health of the unemployed

Mediators’ Self-Perception of their Work and Practice: Content and Lexical Analysis

Mediation is increasingly used in various areas of society. Yet few studies have shed light on the unique work of mediators and their perception of the “mediator effect” on the process. The purpose of this qualitative study is to gather and compare mediators’ views about their work through feedback on their practices and to understand what they perceive as the bases for reaching a favorable outcome. This article presents the results of a content analysis of interviews with 13 mediators from different countries and cultures. The analysis grouped professional discourses into four areas: the process of the mediation meeting, mediation models and styles, mediator training, and family mediation. Each of these classes is broken down into sub-classes that describe the more salient elements of their perceived practice of mediation and self-efficacy. These results are then discussed regarding their application for the process and success of mediation

The Role of Motivation and Self-regulation in Dropping Out of School

Dropping out of secondary education is a major problem in modern economies. Several explanations have been put forward, but not all have been systematically tested due to methodological and ethical problems. We compared two groups of pupils from the same secondary school classes. The groups were selected by teachers on the basis of their anticipated school outcomes (continuing school, n=585, versus dropping out, n=196). Motivational variables were intrinsic motivation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, external regulation, amotivation, academic self-efficacy and consistency of interest. Self-regulation variables were perseverance of effort, learning strategies and resistance to peer influence. All these dimensions were measured through shortened versions of validated scales. Statistical analyses showed that most, but not all of the tested dimensions were significantly different for both groups. Significant motivational variables were intrinsic motivation, introjected regulation, amotivation, and academic self-efficacy. Self-regulation variables that differentiated the two groups were perseverance of effort, and some learning strategies (elaboration, organisation, rehearsal, but not monitoring, planning and regulating) as well as resistance to peer influence. The factors which have been found are often cited, but in our study they are measured through a systematic design. While motivational factors are difficult to affect, self-regulatory skills could be taught and their systematic integration into school curricula could contribute to reducing dropout rates for students at risk

What Do They Want from a Career? University Students’ Future Career Expectations and Resources in a Health Crisis Context

Young people and students, in particular, have often been presented as being particularly affected by the health crisis and its various psychological, social, and economic consequences. In this context, the present study sought to better understand the links between the anxiety generated by this crisis regarding one’s professional future, the resources available, and future career expectations. A total of 585 higher education students participated in the study during the third lockdown in France and completed a questionnaire that focused on anxiety and apprehension about the future, psychological and adaptative resources, and preferences for dimensions of new careers (kaleidoscopic, sustainable, protean, boundaryless, and opportunistic). The results show, on the one hand, significant links between anxiety, optimism, hope, career adaptability and preferences expressed for dimensions of new careers; on the other hand, dimensions that are more preferred than others. Finally, these results will be discussed in relation to the correlations already highlighted in the literature between individuals and career expectations, and to the more global reflection on the future of work. Possible avenues in the field of career counselling will be proposed

A model of guidance and counselling for young people with few qualifications

The aim of the European Leonardo da Vinci project Acrojump is to create a web-based E-profile for young people aged 16-25, who have few qualifications, no diploma and limited professional experience. All relevant information about the past experience of these young people will be put online with the help of counsellors trained to elicit all pertinent facts that can be put into an electronic résumé (sports, participation in projects, field interventions, etc.). These details can represent different levels of competencies which may or may not tie to the professional domain

Outiller et accompagner la mobilité professionnelle par la prise en compte du contexte de travail.

International audienc

PERCEPTION OF WORK CONTEXT EXPLORATORY STUDY OF LOW QUALIFIED OPERATORS.

Many authors have emphasized the situated and distinctive character of action. The work context is often described as a resource or a constraint for action. However, few studies have examined the contextual elements that serve as a resource or a constraint in any given group. We believe that the individual’s perception of the context needs to be taken into consideration when examining experience and work integration. In order to identify these contextual elements, we conducted semi-directive interviews with 69 workers. Content analysis revealed that when most participants were asked about their job, they answered in terms of the context and used contextual elements to describe it