Career Theories Two Primary Assumptions of Developmental Theories

Career Theories Two: Primary Assumptions of Developmental Theories Career development is a process Career choice is systematic More descriptive than explanatory Stages (related to age, all stages of life) Early choice impacts later choices

GINZBERG & ASSOCIATES (1950’s) Sample?

3 DISTINCT STAGES • 1) Fantasy (before 11) • 2) Tentative (11 -17) • 3) Realistic (17 -young adult) • •

Specification Crystallization 3 stages within realistic Exploration

DEVIANT!!! 2 POSSIBLE REASONS: • You’re ahead of the game. • You’re behind in the game.

Circumscription and Compromise: A Developmental Theory of Occupational Aspirations Main Concepts: Self-concept Images of Occupations Cognitive Maps of Occupations LINDA S. GOTTFREDSON Social Space/Zone of Acceptable Alternatives Circumscription Compromise

Major determinant of occupational preferences Decision Made the progressive circumscription (narrowing) of aspirations during self-concept development

Wh at’s goin on her g e!? ! Orientation to… Size and power (3 -5) Concrete thought process Sex roles (6 -8) Gender development influences selfconcept Social valuation (9 -13) Introspective thinking; Greater selfawareness; Aspirations Internal, unique self (14 and on) Self-in-situation; Preferences for prestige level

Cognitive Maps: Where do I fit in society? Job compatibility is assessed by self-image Each person’s map is unique Boundaries or tolerable limits Generally less willing to compromise job level/prestige and sex-type (versus interests). WHY?

Cognitive Map Circumscription of occupational aspirations according to one’s perceptions of job-self compatibility. This is an example of a hypothetical middle class boy of average intelligence.

COMPROMISE Very significant; unique contribution “Individuals discover, when the time comes, that they will be unable to implement their most preferred choices”. What happens? We settle for a “good” choice.

Relationship of Constructs Self-Concept Gender Social Class Intelligence Interests, Values Occupational Images Sex-type Prestige Level Field of Interest Preferences (Perceptions of job-self compatibility) Perceptions of job accessibility (opportunities & barriers) Range of Acceptable Alternatives (Perceived Social Space) Stimulus to name one occupational aspiration Occupational Aspiration

Donald Super Emphasis on Self-Concept 14 Propositions Life-Span, Life-Space Approach to Careers

Sample Life Rainbow Notice the 5 stages of development z

Sample Blank Rainbow

Keystone or decision maker Archway Model Learning theory = the cement that holds everything together Career stages Interactions between everything as a person grows Goal: help client see accurate picture of self and life roles. individual Environment

Counseling Questions What roles are you currently playing? (rainbow) How do you expect &/or hope those will change in the next month, year, 5 years? What impact will these changes have on your career? Ask specific ? s about needs, etc. , using Archway as a guide

Developmental Models Establish Client Individuality Discuss: Identify and Select Strategies Teach and Aid Implementation Verifying Goal Achievement Goals Action Already Taken Obstacles Feelings Assets for Securing Goals Learning Style Beliefs about Problem Resolution & Counseling Goal Impediments

Bordin The Psychodynamic Voice

Main Theoretical Points Turning points = continuing search for self-fulfillment When carving out our identity, we want to incorporate aspects of Mom and Dad, while retaining unique aspects of self.

Counseling approaches Fantasy Life Histories Metaphor Imaginative Approaches Dreams Imaginative Approaches