Institutional Exclusion and Credential Recognition: A Qualitative Study on the Labor Market Experiences of Vocational Education Graduates

Wang Ziyun1, Li Zhe2*

doi:10.64649/yh.eg.2026010009

Institutional Exclusion and Credential Recognition: A Qualitative Study on the Labor Market Experiences of Vocational Education Graduates

期刊: 《Educational Guide》 DOI:10.64649/yh.eg.2026010009 PDF下载返回期刊

Wang Ziyun1, Li Zhe2*

1. Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology 2. City University of Macau

摘要

This paper examines the employment challenges faced by vocational education graduates in China's labor market, employing qualitative research methods to analyze the impacts of institutional exclusion and credential recognition. The study identifies several institutional barriers, including employment restrictions stemming from the household registration system, a misalignment between academic programs and market demands, as well as biases related to academic credentials and other policy-based thresholds. Moreover, vocational graduates often suffer from insufficient recognition of their professional qualifications and skills. In many instances, qualifications are assessed based more on diplomas than on actual competencies, reinforcing a "credentials-over-capability" paradigm. In light of these findings, this paper advocates shifting the focus from distributive justice to recognitional justice. It also emphasizes the need to establish a more comprehensive support system, encompassing institutional reforms, an improved qualification certification framework, deeper industry-education integration, and a shift in societal perceptions. Only through such measures can the labor market outcomes for vocational education graduates be substantially enhanced.

关键词

Institutional Exclusion, Credential Recognition, Vocational Education Graduates, Labor Market, Recognition Justice

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