Disadvantaged young people accessing the new urban economies of the post‐industrial city

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to examine current and evolving supply side transition policy initiatives in the light of (a) particular demand side needs of urban young people classified as those most disadvantaged and potentially marginalized; and (b) the emerging realities of accessing and operating within particular examples of high value‐added knowledge work arenas of the new urban economies in the UK. The paper is a synthesis of qualitative research undertaken by the author over the last five years that has examined notions of transition, development and learning for both young people and adults as they attempt to navigate their pathways in, and through, the new economies of the post‐industrial urban context. The paper communicates the importance of a number of sociocultural theoretical concepts as a way of illuminating transition choices, actions and opportunities for disadvantaged young people. These concepts also enable a broader set of critical questions to be asked about current 14–19 transition policy and practice, particularly with regards to Connexions and the Careers Education and Guidance in England 11–19 National Framework.

Notes

1. Socioscapes are ‘networks of social relations of very different intensity, spanning widely different territorial extents’ (Albrow, 1997, p. 51).

2. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (2004) estimates that the creative industries accounted for 8% of gross value‐added (GVA) in 2002 and grew by an average of 6% per annum between 1997 and 2002. This compares to an average of 3% for the whole of the economy over this period. Exports by the creative industries contributed £11.5 billion to the balance of trade in 2002. This equated to around 4.2% of all goods and services exported. Exports by the Creative Industries grew at around 11% per annum over the period of 1997–2002. By comparison, over the same period the value of all services exported grew by 7% per annum, while all goods and services combined grew by 3%. Total creative employment increased from 1.5m in 1995 to 1.9m in 2003. Over the period 1997–2003, employment in the creative industries grew at a rate of 3% per annum, compared to 1% for the whole of the economy. Seventy per cent of those working within the sector have a first degree or higher.