WHEN EVERYTHING HAS TO BE (RE)BUILT: DYNAMICS OF CAREER RESOURCES IN A CHALLENGING CONTEXT

Two case studies: refugees in France and low-skilled employees at Orange Group

Abstract

Based on the theoretical perspective of career resources, the objective of this research is to understand how individuals evolving in a context that is detrimental to their careers still achieve success. Our research is based on the study of two populations having in common to evolve in a context that might be discriminatory: refugees exiled in France, stigmatized with regard to their status and/or their origins, and poorly qualified employees in a company – the group Orange– characterized by a career ceiling linked to the initial diploma. It shows how and with what resources certain individuals belonging to these two populations pursue a - sometimes very - upward trajectory despite a potentially discriminating context and lack of sociological capital.