Challenges and Reforms in Vocational Education: Aspects of Inclusion and Exclusion

In this collected edition, globalization and its consequences on vocational education systems are described and, at the same time, combined with the question of whether new phenomena of inclusion but also of exclusion are produced. Inclusion and exclusion are differentiations that predominate in all kinds of (vocational education) systems, regardless of their national background. These terms base on the requirements of the system itself but also on shortages, particularly when supply and demand are dehiscing. Vocational education developed out of the requirement to integrate large parts of society into a broader or more extended education and, consequently, into an economic and social process. Besides the so-called «social question», gender-, status- and generation-specific characteristics and also the participation in higher education are under discussion. Depending on each country – this volume features contributions of Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Denmark, France, Finland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA – this debate generates a different development which is described by the authors in their different research areas. Collectively, a multifaceted overall picture arises which illustrates the importance of inclusion and exclusion.

Stefanie Stolz is a research associate and lecturer at the University of Zurich. Her research interests include vocational education, school-to-work transition and policy analyses in a comparative perspective.
Philipp Gonon is a professor of vocational education at the University of Zurich. His research interests include international comparative VET and further education, philosophy and history of (vocational) education and quality assurance and evaluation.