Social capital or human capital: The reality of young people’s access to paid employment in Papua New Guinea

In introducing the labour market and context of employment in Papua New Guinea (PNG), this paper reasons that there are existing problems for young people, which limits their access to paid employment. As reported in various reports by international organizations, the problem with rising youth unemployment in PNG, is often due to a lack of education or skills and experience. Human capital and social capital theory lays the foundation, to counter this claim, as it illustrates that having proper investment and solid social networks would aid in the job hunt. Furthermore, asking the question, is there a difference in the way young men and women find employment in the formal sector? The intention of this research paper is to address the gaps in the way youth employment has been reported in PNG. Incorporating a triangulation of qualitative interviews, literature and an auto-ethnographic experience, to explore the factors that influence labour force participation. Particular emphasis is placed on young people’s social capital and the use of their social networks to secure paid employment. In addition to other factors that may deter access to paid employment in PNG.