Managing Career Mobility amid Inequality of Opportunity: A Systematic Literature Review of Generation Z and Inclusive Economic Development

Andi Fika Widuri; Abdul Halik; Siti Mujanah

doi:10.63922/ijebir.v5i06.6662

Andi Fika Widuri Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
Abdul Halik Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
Siti Mujanah Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63922/ijebir.v5i06.6662

Keywords: Generation Z; Inequality of Opportunity; Career Mobility; Career Management; Inclusive Economic Development.

Abstract

The transition of Generation Z into increasingly dynamic labour markets raises important questions about whether career mobility can provide a pathway toward broader social and economic mobility when individuals begin their careers from unequal socioeconomic conditions. This systematic literature review examines how socioeconomic background and inequality of opportunity shape the career development and mobility of Generation Z, with particular attention to career-management and organisational mechanisms. Following the PRISMA 2020 framework, relevant literature was identified and synthesised thematically across four interconnected research streams: socioeconomic background and inequality of opportunity, Generation Z and career development, career management and organisational support, and career mobility in relation to social and economic mobility. The synthesis indicates that socioeconomic background influences career opportunities through differences in access to educational resources, information, networks, work experience, mentoring, and career guidance. However, socioeconomic background does not operate as a deterministic factor, as human capital, career adaptability, organisational support, and career-management mechanisms can shape how individuals convert available resources into career outcomes. The review further shows that career-management practices may function either as mechanisms for reducing inequality or as mechanisms through which inequality is reproduced, depending on their accessibility and distribution across socioeconomic groups. Career mobility therefore represents an important link between individual career development and broader social and economic mobility. The review identifies the need for more longitudinal, cross-contextual, and multilevel research examining how career-management mechanisms influence the capacity of Generation Z to convert capabilities into sustained career and socioeconomic mobility, thereby contributing to inclusive economic development.

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