Occupational outcomes of truancy

This paper presents some findings of a study into early adult outcomes of truancy, which was based on the National Child Development Study, a longitudinal survey of all people in Great Britain born in the week 3rd-9th March 1958. It was found that truancy is associated with lower status occupations, less stable career patterns and more unemployment. Among those who were working, former truants' incomes were not lower, but they were considerably less well off once their family situation was taken into account. Differences remained after controlling for the effects of social background, educational ability, poor attendance due to other reasons, and end-of-school qualifications. The authors conclude that truancy is a predictor of employment problems, and of a more severe kind than will be experienced by others who share the disadvantaged background and low attainment which typify the truant.