This paper explores learning trajectories in becoming 'rural women' in Sweden, by using a biographical and socially-situated learning perspective. The data is based on in-depth biographical interviews with three young women who moved between rural and urban areas, and finally decided to return to a rural area. The findings show three learning…

This article describes the process of reentry for adolescent girls and young women who experienced incarceration as adolescents in Costa Rica. The needs of adolescent girls and young women with undiagnosed and psychosocial disabilities are explored, considering existing scholarship and research gaps from Costa Rica's legislation and policies.…

This paper examines a blended learning model designed to support women returning to STEM after a career break and its delivery in a unique partnership between an online distance education provider and a community-based equality organisation. Through this partnership additional activities such as networking events, returnships, career clinics and…

This study narrates the role of education/training in the career success stories of twelve women on an Irish active labour market programme, Community Employment (CE). All from lower socio-economic groups, having early school-leaving backgrounds, and, prior to CE, were long-term unemployed. CE enhances the employability of the long-term unemployed…

Australian women make decisions about returning to paid work and care for their child within a policy environment that presents mixed messages about maternal employment and childcare standards. Against this background, an investigation of first-time mothers' decision-making about workforce participation and childcare was undertaken. Four women…

A recent policy direction in many OECD countries has been to increase workforce participation for women of childbearing age; a policy direction which seemingly runs counter to a need for improved work-life balance for women themselves. This article explores the impact of this somewhat contradictory "push-pull" of policy by examining some…

Research investigating the learning and career transitions of those disadvantaged in the labour market has resulted in the development of a four-component model to enable disadvantaged groups to navigate learning and career transitions. The four components of the model include: the self-concept; learning and recognition; career and life planning;…

A survey of 462 British women in science/engineering, law, accounting, and nursing demonstrated the need for, and effectiveness of, specialized professional retraining for women returning to higher-level occupations. Investment in their education, such as through the European Social Fund, benefits both the women and the economy. (SK)

Findings of a survey of British female solicitors (n=85), including those returning to the labor market, contradict economic rationality theory. The professional legal culture is conceptualized as male, and women who have taken career breaks encounter obstacles not overcome by training that prepares them for reentry. (SK)

Studied personality characteristics, life events, and work values of three subgroups of reentry women (Adapters, Explorers, Change Seekers). Results indicated that personality characteristics commonly ascribed to reentry women as group were not same as those found to be significant among subgroups. Found significant differences among subgroups on…

Describes the Women's Employment Counseling Unit in Vancouver, British Columbia, the first of several Canadian counseling centers designed to meet the needs of women. Describes the organization of the center and the counseling services provided, and discusses characteristics of reentry workers. (JAC)

Fourteen female single parents attended Jobtrain courses to prepare for employment through literacy, personal, and career development. The holistic approach including assertiveness, parenting, health issues, sociology of work and self-image caused dramatic changes in their self-worth, supportive networks, and self-confidence. (SK)

A study examined the factors influencing the participation in the labor market of 150 women with young children, including their aims, training needs, and constraints. Their self-perceived employment needs were related to the policies and practices of employers and trade unions. (JOW)

Changes in occupational structure, demographics, and social values are affecting the career development of young workers, reentry women, and older adults in Japan. Counseling must adjust to meet new needs, such as increased high school dropout and joblessness. (SK)

Although women constitute 44 percent of Great Britain's work force, they are concentrated in a limited number of occupations and have less access to training opportunities. Their training needs are for upgrading skills, preparing for reentry, learning new technologies, and training for occupational change. Their opportunities are notoriously…