Not going to university: Context-based rationality, with links to social class and rural location in the career decision-making of school leavers in Scotland

Description

Despite evidence of a graduate wage premium, many academically qualified young people choose not to enter higher education. This longitudinal qualitative study follows sixteen Scottish school leavers over two years to explore how they navigate career decisions in an increasingly complex landscape of post-school opportunities. Findings suggest that participants often viewed university as a risky investment, particularly amid conflicting information about costs, debt, employment outcomes and alternative routes to a good career. Decisions were shaped by social class, rural location, personal values and perceptions of risk and opportunity. The study argues that young people make choices that are rational within their own contexts, highlighting important implications for career guidance and widening access policy.

Period	24 Mar 0207
Event title	Scottish Government 2026-27 Education Research Seminar Series
Event type	Seminar
Degree of Recognition	National