Are things really getting better? The labour market experience of black and female youth at the start of the century

摘要: Introduction The education and job chances of young people have been issues crucial concern to successive British governments because, in the final decades last century, youth unemployment rates persisted at levels over double that adult population usually region 20 per cent. accompanying general increase educational participation (2) was more pronounced for blacks (Banks et al, 1992; Slade, Drew Gray 1994; Drew, 1995; Labour Market Trends, 1996) women (Gray Sime, Quarterly Report, May than their respective counterparts. By start new labour market position these groups is thought improved substantially, part because this trend. There some evidence, example, by 1990s, members had disproportionately benefited terms gaining qualifications opportunity (eg, Roberts Ainley, 1993; Tomlinson 1 997; McCrum, 1998). These conclusions generalised popular press. In particular, there continuing public debate about 'girls on top' phenomenon: 'The Future Female' (aac Panorama, 1994), 'Men aren't Working' (BBC 1995), 'Grim Reading Males' (Guardian, 1998a), 'Problems That Arise When Boys will be "Lads"' 1998b). Stephen Byers, then School Standards Minister Government, lent political authority current opinion when he argued 'laddish' behaviour impeded boys' learning It unsurprising, therefore, while placing as a 'key' priority, New policy did not specifically target black female youth. recent speech, Education Secretary, David Blunkett, university researchers should 'make findings accessible government officials help them deliver effective policies' (Guardian 2000). aim article, clearly present evidence counter-intuitive it debunks beliefs. Instead, incontrovertibly demonstrates 'truths' conceal belie experience majority youths they are based analyses academically most successful and/or socially advantaged. This paper concerned with majority: those who do proceed university, whom from low-socio-economic backgrounds. demonstrated that, beginning positions relative respec tive white male equivalents, changed any significant extent compared pre-Thatcher years. Indeed, worsened. situation has major implications future reforms Government whose programmes embraced desire poor less able. method enquiry an analysis different kinds evidence. several on-going studies conducted Britain three or so, such England Wales Youth Cohort Surveys Scottish Young People's Surveys. Pertinent results examined along other important literature. data contextual, quantitative qualitative. includes case studies, econometric findings, official statistics legislative details. categorised according explanatory theme. article organised following way. First, arguments introduced. Second, empirical discussed: illustrating patterns supporting themes arguments. A tabular summary presented purposes clarification. Finally drawn. Racial gender groupings dealt separately clarity's sake, though females, say, represented both types (3). …