Risk patterns and bounded agency in vocational orientation

Abstract

In this paper, we illuminate the vocational orientation process experienced by different groups of young people. In this context, risk factors, support, and the theory of bounded agency were considered in particular. The study answers the following questions: What patterns of risk can be identified within the vocational orientation process? How do identified risk patterns differ in relation to the perceived support provided by various support services? How do representatives of different risk patterns describe their vocational orientation process and how apparent are aspects of (bounded) agency? We carried out a mixed-methods study in Switzerland comprising a quantitative and a qualitative part. Latent class analysis revealed the existence of three distinct risk patterns that according to analysis of variance differ significantly concerning the perceived support of parents, siblings, friends, relatives, and teachers. Using content analysis, interviews revealed aspects of agency and aspects of boundaries concerning vocational orientation that differ in relation to the distinct risk patterns.