ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the influence of parents on young people’s transitions from school to work or further education in early 1960s Helsinki. These fourteen‑ and fifteen-year-olds were making far-reaching decisions at a time of great societal change, which makes this an interesting case study for investigating the transfer and dissemination of values and knowledge. The unique source material consists of forms filled in at the time by youths as part of vocational guidance. The influence of parents is analysed from three aspects: economic resources, social networks, and cultural capital. The family’s financial situation controlled the youths’ opportunities to enter further education. Family members could act as occupational role models or help directly, for example, by acquiring a job for the teenager. Most importantly, the parents’ influence depended on their values—namely, what they considered important regarding education and work.
