Dignifying Lifelong Learning: The Case of Internships

The purpose of this article is to introduce a capabilities-driven perspective through the inculcation of the value of dignity within the context of lifelong learning (LL). Explicating the case of internships and its dimensions of equity, access and regulation, the article explores ways to dignify intern-employer relationships, arguably transitioning the organizational perspective behind LL, from a human capital perspective to a shared objective of human capabilities development. The internship model of work-integrated learning is at the heart of LL, which has primarily followed a needs-driven perspective of human capital development. A dignity-centric approach to the dimensions of equity, access, and regulation, can elevate shared areas of development and introduce a capabilities-driven perspective that dignifies internship experiences for interns and employers. Through this lens, equitable treatment primarily addresses compensation, performance, and work quality in internships, while access and regulation introduce novel approaches to balance and govern intern-employer relationships. In doing so, this paper challenges the needs-driven perspective that dominates learning and development in organizations and offers a strategic vision for LL within the future of work agenda. This short article is written as a viewpoint based on the author’s learnings and experiences of teaching a masters’ level course entitled ‘The future of work and human dignity’ and drawing particularly on the module of work-integrated learning. The perspectives have also been informed by informal discussions with practitioners considering the research spurring in this area.