The economy and career choices scale: Construction and initial validation

Abstract Today’s youth have grown up according to a largely neoliberal dominance. To assess youth’s views of the economy in relation to their career choices, we developed the Economy and Career Choices Scale (ECCS). Two studies involving Italian youth were conducted to develop the scale and examine its psychometric properties. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) conducted with two groups of high-school students confirmed the two-factor structure, specifically related to thoughts more consistent with a neoliberal view of the economy and thoughts in tune with a more equitable and supportive conception of it. Moreover, correlational analyses were conducted with the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale and Views of the Future Scale.