Psychosocial Characteristics and Successful Labour Market Attachment Among Young Adults: The Internalization of Individual Inadequacy as Explanations for Failures within the Labour Market

Abstract

This qualitative research sought to better understand how young adults perceived factors leading to labour market success. Respondents (n=36) identified two psychosocial characteristics that contributed to their successful labour market attachment: 1) personal behaviours can contribute to labour market outcomes; and 2) individual inadequacies contribute to unsuccessful labour market attachment. The internalization of individual inadequacies is only enhanced by labour market policy strategies that seek primarily to aid in the development of basic skills (such as computer use and literacy), when, due to labour market shifts, government programs and policies should be focusing instead on the development of professional and technical level skills (such as field specific knowledge and abilities to carry out a particular employment role). Implications for programs and policies aimed at supporting young adult employment are discussed.