Learning for Society? An Historical Analysis of Vocational Education and Training as Instrument of Social Policy in France and Sweden

This paper explores the topic of Vocational Education and Training (VET) as direct instrument of social policy in Sweden and France from an historical comparative perspective starting at the beginning of the 20th century until the end of World War II. Therefore, it offers a new perception of traditional research on social policy and welfare which neglects the field of education. Moreover, it contributes to newer research on education connected to welfare state regimes by investigating not just institutional complementarities but analyzing its origins. Building on current research that underlines the importance of the relation between VET and social policy, I argue that in addition to economic aspects, social political reasoning was directly intervening within the institutional design of Vocational Education and Training and hence was especially seen as (1) an instrument to integrate youth more fully into society and foster societal cohesion, (2) as an ad hoc instrument against youth unemployment, and (3) as an instrument against future unemployment. This study uses the method of process tracing to specify a hypothesis of a causal mechanism linking the perception of social problems to institutional change and reorganization of VET due to socio-political considerations. Moreover, similarities and differences between the cases will be analyzed in connection with the literature of traditional welfare state regimes. France and Sweden serve as typical cases of the statist type of VET. In summary, the empirical investigation underlines the necessity to take a deeper look at VET from a socio-political angle. Much of the new social investment strategies that are currently being debated can be traced back to the period before World War II already. The outview section investigates in how far VET as means of social policy might be useful in the present day, in different environments and with other possible providers except the State.