Abstract # 2

Blossfeld, Hans-Peter. (1999). The German dual system in comparative perspective (together with Reinhard Stockmann). In: International Journal of Sociology 28(4): 3-28.

An editor's introduction to a special journal issue titled "Globalization and Changes in Vocational Training Systems in Developing and Advanced Industrialized Societies." The effects of globalization on the workforce in Western nations include shortages of skilled labor and oversupplies of unskilled labor. Research indicates that in most nations, generational replacement of workers is the most important means of adjustment to the changing requirements of the labor market. The German dual system of vocational training is compared with systems in other Western nations in three dimensions: (1) the school- and workplace-relatedness of vocational training; (2) vocational training standardization; and (3) vocational training stratification. Suggestions for improvement of the German system are presented, and perspectives on education and educational reform in Third World nations are summarized.