Ruptures, destinations and choice: patterns of educational trajectories between structure and agency

In this chapter we aim to provide an overview over the different patterns of educational trajectories emerging from the sample of students analysed within the GOETE project. These patterns expected to represent different constellations of structure and agency are analysed along three key aspects: the ruptures young people have experienced prior to leaving lower secondary education; the destinations they take after lower secondary education; and the degree to which these destinations result from their own choices or from structural constraints (e.g. lack of alternatives. After a theoretical reflection on the concept of educational trajectories, we introduce the research methodology underlying the empirical analysis the chapter is based on. Third, we present selected findings from the survey with regard to ruptures, expected destinations and experiences of choices before leaving lower secondary education. Fourth, we use the same three dimensions to analyse patterns of trajectories into upper secondary education or training emerging from the qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews carried out with some of the students after the end of lower secondary education. Finally, the relation between the two analytical steps is discussed.