Capitals and commitment. The case of a local learning and employment network.
Kamp, Annelies
(2009)
Capitals and commitment. The case of a local learning and employment network.
Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 30
(4).
pp. 471-482.
ISSN 0159-6306
This article draws on research undertaken with a Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) in the state of Victoria, Australia. LLEN are networks that were implemented by the state government in 2001 to undertake community capacity building through which the outcomes of young people aged 15-19 in education, training and employment would be enhanced. In 2008, in the context
of an enhanced federal commitment to social inclusion through ‘joining-up’, the Victorian experience provides insights on the implications of such policy initiatives. Drawing on Bourdieu’s discussion of the forms of capital and
Granovetter’s notion of the strength of weak ties, I argue that stores of economic, cultural and social capital as outlined by Bourdieu were necessary, but insufficient, for LLEN to achieve the objectives with which they were charged
given the failure of government to follow through on the implications of its policies. I argue for a commitment on the part of all stakeholders to realise the potential of ‘joining-up’.
Item Type:
Article (Published)
Refereed:
Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:
networks; post-compulsory education; transition; whole-of-government; whole-of-community; government collaboration; trust