Search results

Suggests that youth unemployment is seen in East Germany as a critical life event because not only may it “scar” individuals’ careers but there is the fear that it may be a cause of other social problems such as criminal and racist behaviour. Bases the study on event‐history and optimal‐matching analysis. Considers seven hypotheses about the impact of unemployment on social mobility career transitions. Findings suggest that unemployment can raise those chances of upward, downward and lateral mobility.

Outlines the experiences of East Germany as unification takes place. Presents the findings of a study analysing three groups of East Germans in their transitions from education to employment and subsequent careers from 1985 onwards. Suggests that the findings indicate that changes in macro structure and life courses are closely interrelated. Covers mobility, unemployment, retraining, competition, fertility rates and coping strategies.

Explains that the following articles provide the opportunity to look at how the concept of social exclusion develops when it is approached sociologically. Outlines the content and briefly comments on each of their themes.