Casey, Caroline orcid.org/0000-0002-3201-3274 (2023) Managing Uncertainty and Risk in Access to the Solicitors’ Profession in England:Classed Pathways? Sociology. ISSN 1469-8684
Abstract
Despite decades of diversity and widening participation initiatives, access to elite professions for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds remains a troublingly persistent issue. Degree apprenticeships present an alternative to the traditional university pathway and an opportunity to increase social mobility into professional occupations. Yet, uptake of this pathway has so far been from more advantaged individuals. This article explores the dispositions of key stakeholders towards alternative pathways. It asks whether professional apprenticeships are perceived as legitimate and, if not, what are the likely consequences? Using the solicitors’ profession in England as a pertinent case, interviews with 23 participants on the degree apprenticeship and university pathways were asked about their social and educational backgrounds, exploring the influences on their career and pathway decision making. The analysis demonstrates differing perceptions of risk and legitimacy among those from different social and educational backgrounds, with implications for equity, inequality and social mobility.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2023 |
Keywords: | decision making; degree apprenticeships; higher education; inequalities; legal profession; social class; social mobility; socio-economic background |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Social Sciences (York) > The York Management School |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 15 Nov 2023 12:40 |
Last Modified: | 10 Dec 2024 00:21 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1177/00380385231196101 |
Status: | Published online |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1177/00380385231196101 |
Sustainable Development Goals: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:205392 |
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Description: Managing Uncertainty and Risk in Access to the Solicitors’ Profession in England: Classed Pathways?
Licence: CC-BY 2.5