Jongeren en techniek. Waardering, beeldvorming en studie- en beroepskeuze

Samenvatting

Technology is an increasingly important motor for economic development. In a world characterized by international competition, sufficient numbers of technically educated persons are a necessary condition for technology-intensive economic growth. In the late 1980s policy-makers became aware that decreasing interest in technical studies or technical occupations could diminish future potential for economic growth. Therefore public policy has shifted from focusing only on stimulating technological renewal in companies to promoting the integration of technology in society too. In this paper, we will analyse whether the decisions made by secondary school pupils are based on economic or other motives. Apart from the traditional human-capital variables and personal and social background characteristics, we therefore also link pupils' vocational choices to their value-judgement with respect to technological development and to their views on some labour market aspects of technical occupations. By covering these three elements (choices, values and labour market aspects). we obtain an overview of the societal support among young people for technological renewal. Based on the empirical results given in this paper, we will present some policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of Mens en Maatschappij is the property of Amsterdam University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)