Developing an understanding of the labour market: the value of social, cultural and identity capital according to first- and continuing-generation graduates

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines graduates’ understanding of the labour market and its association with structural and agentic factors in the transition from higher education to work. Research has shown that besides possessing and exerting different forms of capital, it is foremost important for graduates to be aware and understand which forms and expressions of capital are valued within their working field. By comparing first-generation and continuing-generation graduates, the research recognises the role of background characteristics on outcomes and highlights potential differences in their perceptions of the labour market. Using a sequential mixed methods approach, including a survey for purposive sampling and interviews (n = 35), this study aims to provide insights into graduates’ understanding of the value of social, cultural, and identity capital and identify patterns accounting for socio-economic status and career self-management. The results demonstrate that career self-management has a more significant influence on graduates’ narratives of the value of social and identity capital compared to their social background. Conversely, when it comes to understanding the value of cultural capital, social background has a greater impact. Further, the findings show that continuing-generation graduates often maintain an advantage in the labour market by displaying a more competitive mindset.