The Degree Generation: The Making of Unequal Graduate Lives

The book explores the transition to the graduate labor market of a cohort of middle-class and working-class young people, providing insights into their experiences and the impact of social backgrounds and education on their life-course transitions. It critically evaluates current government and university policies and shows the attitudes and values of this generation towards employment, political attitudes, and cultural practices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The transition to the graduate labor market is a complex and multifaceted process that affects individuals from various social backgrounds and educational levels. This book aims to shed light on the experiences of a cohort of middle-class and working-class young people as they navigate this transition over seven years of their undergraduate and post-graduation lives. Through personal stories and voices, the book provides fascinating insights into the groups' experiences of graduate employment and how their life-course transitions are shaped by their social backgrounds and education.

Critically evaluating current government and university policies, the book reveals the attitudes and values of this generation toward their hopes and aspirations on employment, political attitudes, and cultural practices. It highlights the challenges faced by graduates in the current job market, including high unemployment rates, underemployment, and wage stagnation. The book also explores the role of universities in preparing students for the workforce and the changing nature of the graduate labor market.

One of the key findings of the book is that social backgrounds and education play a significant role in shaping the transition to the graduate labor market. Middle-class and working-class young people from different backgrounds have different access to resources, networks, and opportunities, which can impact their employment prospects and career trajectories. For example, graduates from affluent families may have better access to high-quality education and internship opportunities, which can help them secure high-paying jobs after graduation.

However, even with equal access to education, social backgrounds can still impact graduates' employment outcomes. For example, graduates from marginalized communities may face discrimination in the job market, which can limit their opportunities and perpetuate social inequality. Additionally, graduates from low-income families may face financial barriers that prevent them from pursuing higher education or completing their post-graduation studies.

The book also examines the changing nature of the graduate labor market and the impact it has on graduates' employment prospects. The rise of the gig economy and the prevalence of temporary and contract work have made it difficult for graduates to secure stable and long-term employment. Additionally, the increasing demand for skills and expertise in specific industries has made it essential for graduates to have a broad range of skills and knowledge.

To address these challenges, the book suggests several policy interventions. These include increasing funding for public universities to improve access to education and reduce student debt. Governments can also implement policies to promote job creation and support entrepreneurship, such as providing tax incentives for small businesses and investing in job training programs.

Universities can also play a role in preparing graduates for the workforce. This can include offering more interdisciplinary programs that combine skills and knowledge from different fields, providing career counseling and internship opportunities, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the classroom.

In conclusion, the transition to the graduate labor market is a complex and multifaceted process that affects individuals from various social backgrounds and educational levels. This book provides valuable insights into the experiences of a cohort of middle-class and working-class young people as they navigate this transition and highlights the challenges faced by graduates in the current job market. By critically evaluating current government and university policies and promoting policy interventions that support job creation and education, we can work towards creating a more equitable and prosperous future for the current generation of graduate millennials.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529208856