A Critical Policy Analysis of Unpaid Internships: Policy Failures and Opportunities for Universities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Utilizing Leadership Context to Champion Reform, Policy, and Practice Toward Equitable Change for Justice

Abstract

As the global workforce becomes continuously more competitive, students are increasingly turning to unpaid internships to increase their employability. Despite the recent attempts by the federal government to address unpaid internships in a meaningful way, current efforts have fallen short, predominantly due to a social normalization of unpaid internships. This is problematic, as unpaid internships disproportionately impact marginalized students. To explore these issues, key critical policy analysis approaches are employed. First, a historical overview of internships is conducted. Second, the differences between unpaid internships in theory and practice are discussed. Ultimately, it is argued that universities should lead the vanguard in reducing the oppressive practice of unpaid internships and practical policy solutions are put forth.

Author

• Zach Jenkins, University of South Carolina