Chapter 4 of Brown (2016) highlights the theories
presented by Gottfredson and Super. Although both are related to the career
development process, Gottfredson attempts to explain it in simpler terms, as
opposed to Super’s 14-part extensive explanation. Gottfredson’s main focus is
on the roles of social status, gender stereotyping and the self-concept of
occupational choices. As children begin to grow and develop perceptions of
themselves, they begin to develop perceptions of different occupations. They
begin choosing or eliminating potential career paths based on the compatibility
and accessibility that career has. Often times, individuals end up compromising
and giving up their most favored career choice for one that might be more
easily accessed. In this compromise, people’s interests suddenly fall to the
bottom of list and their concern with availability of work in a field takes precedence
(Brown, 2016, p. 82)
In the
future, this could potentially hurt a person’s chance at true career happiness
and success. If they settle for a career that was easily accessible instead of
one they are most interested in, then there is a chance they might not live up
to their full potential. In my opinion, a person’s passions and interests
should come first in deciding on a career. It should not matter how prestigious
the job is or what kind of stereotype comes with it, but rather, how much the
person enjoys what it is that they are doing. As we know, unfortunately, that
is not always the case. This could stem from the way society portrays the
workforce and what biases come with certain jobs.
Also, Gottfredson
mentions that the career development process begins in childhood (Brown, 2016,
p. 80). Before children are even exposed to the views of society, they are
exposed to the views of their own parents. For example, if a father tells his son
that he should not go into teaching because that is a predominately female
occupation, then that child may be discouraged. Not only will they not go into
that career, but they then might develop that same mindset and carry it with
them later in life. It is important that parents do not force their beliefs
onto their children and try to let them figure things out on their own.
Gottfredson’s theory exposes the truth of the matter and causes the readers to
wonder about possible improvements.
Brown, D. (2016). Career information, career counseling, and career development (11th Ed.). New York: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN 978-0-13-391777-2.
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