Sammanfattning
AIM – The article explores the significance of drug use and peer relations for students’ participation
in vocational education. DESIGN – From 22 qualitative interviews two girls’ case stories are
analyzed, one still being in, the other having left vocational education. The article is rooted in
theory of social practice and critical psychology. Key concepts include institutional and personal
trajectories of participation. RESULTS – Learning in vocational education is part of how young
people develop and coordinate their trajectory of everyday social life. Additionally drug use may
become important in the process of forming peer relations. For some students, the focus is drifting
from vocational to social interactions with drugs. School institutional organization including the
significance of other students, teachers, and student counselors play an important role with
regard to students’ participation in and dropout of vocational school. CONCLUSIONS – Organizing
social life in vocational schools influences students’ learning as well as dropout and tobacco,
alcohol, and drug use.