Vocationalism in Higher Education: Explanations from Social Theory

This study shows how three different social theories might explain the growth of vocational interests among undergraduate students during the 1970’s. Changes in undergraduate degree choices between the years 1970–71 and 1977–78 are described for all students and for men and women considered separately. The changes provide evidence that during this period interest increased among undergraduates in pursuing those studies that lead directly to occupational competence.