Blended and co-existing worlds in intersectoral mobilities of European PhD graduates in the social sciences and humanities

ABSTRACT

This paper argues that links between academia and other economic sectors are increasing, especially through intersectoral mobility of university graduates. Murray [(2010). “The Oncomouse that Roared: Hybrid Exchange Strategies as a Source of Distinction at the Boundary of Overlapping Institutions.” American Journal of Sociology 116 (2): 341–388] has identified literature pointing both to blending and continuing co-existence of the academic and commercial worlds. Based on a European-wide study of PhD graduates in the social sciences and humanities (SSH), this paper considers the extent to which intersectoral mobility reflects blending. It finds that intersectoral communities of practice exist mainly in applied fields of knowledge. However, in many areas of the SSH, differences in institutional norms and values inhibit intersectoral mobility, particularly in mid-career stages.

KEYWORDS:

• Intersectoral mobility
• blended worlds
• co-existing worlds
• social sciences
• humanities

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Professor Louise Ackers for helpful comments on an earlier version of the paper, as well as the editor and an anonymous reviewer whose comments and suggestions helped to improve the quality of the manuscript greatly.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This paper is based on research funded by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework Programme [grant number 290770].