This article deals with the multifaceted precariousness of independent professionals through a qualitative analysis based in the urban area of Milan (Italy) and supports the hypothesis that, at a more advanced stage of independent professionals’ careers, precariousness as a market risk should be enriched with the concept of ‘entrapment’ in vulnerable working paths and working and life conditions defining poor occupational careers. Entrapment can be considered as the long-lasting condition of a large and weak part of young-adult independent professionals beyond the first career stages. Our fieldwork confirms the widespread fragmentation of careers and increasing difficulties in improving professional positions due to structural economic and organizational changes. The four career dynamics of independent professionals emerged from the qualitative analysis –successful, dynamic, entrapped, and temporary interrupted – show the main factors affecting career outcomes: career strategies play a main role, but social relations confirm to be crucial for job success in different forms, as professional networks, welfare support, and ‘local professional integration’.

Dimensions of precariousness: independent professionals between market risks and entrapment in poor occupational careers

CAVALCA, GUIDO GABRIELE;
2016-01-01

Abstract

This article deals with the multifaceted precariousness of independent professionals through a qualitative analysis based in the urban area of Milan (Italy) and supports the hypothesis that, at a more advanced stage of independent professionals’ careers, precariousness as a market risk should be enriched with the concept of ‘entrapment’ in vulnerable working paths and working and life conditions defining poor occupational careers. Entrapment can be considered as the long-lasting condition of a large and weak part of young-adult independent professionals beyond the first career stages. Our fieldwork confirms the widespread fragmentation of careers and increasing difficulties in improving professional positions due to structural economic and organizational changes. The four career dynamics of independent professionals emerged from the qualitative analysis –successful, dynamic, entrapped, and temporary interrupted – show the main factors affecting career outcomes: career strategies play a main role, but social relations confirm to be crucial for job success in different forms, as professional networks, welfare support, and ‘local professional integration’.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11386/4684480
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