Adaptation Trajectories of Dismissed Workers: A Critical Case Study of the Lithuanian Radio-Electronics Sector

This article explores why some dismissed workers adapt successfully to the changing structure of an economy, while others remain trapped in low-quality jobs and experience deskilling. The associated case study relies on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 50 former employees four bankrupt radio-electronics factories Lithuania. It is found that ‘inherited’ skills are deep technical able enter high-quality when new firms emerge, recombining physical, financial human assets destitute for productive uses. However, if such economic opportunities scarce, inherited broad skill sets relatively more successful transitioning services from manufacturing. Further, line literature sociology work, women older face acute challenges adapting shock dismissal.