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Outside theory: An exploration of the links between education and work for Ghanaian market traders
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 23:18 authored by Mairead DunneMairead Dunne, Rudith KingEmployment statistics and survey data show that predominantly female market traders in Ghana do no fit stereotypes of illiterate, poor workers of the informal sector. Theories assuming that higher education levels enable transitions from the informal to formal sector may need reconsideration. Education-work connections appear to be gendered and contextually contingent.
History
Publication status
- Published
Journal
Journal of Education and WorkISSN
1363-9080External DOI
Issue
1Volume
16Page range
27-44Pages
18.0Department affiliated with
- Education Publications
Notes
This article reports on extensive quantitative and qualitative empirical research carried out in Kumasi market, Ghana. It explores the economic activity and educational background of market traders. With specific reference to this group, the research raises critical questions for theories of economic and educational development. Formal economics have particular difficulties in including the traders despite their enormous contribution to household and community economics. Similarly, human capital theories that link education and work provide limited explanation of the background and occupational destinations of the traders. Gender plays a key part in the absence of theorised understandings of this significant group of workers in the Ghanaian social landscape.Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
