Considering Brown Chapter 4

Considering Brown Chapter 4

In chapter 4 Brown (2016) presents two developmental theories by Super and Gottfredson.  Super’s and Gottfresdson’s developmental theories primary focus on the biological, psychological, sociological and cultural factors that affect career development across the lifespan (Brown, 2016, p. 70).  I found Super’s theory to be extremely comprehensive and I would find myself “losing the forest through the trees.”  I believe this to be especially true for Super’s 14 propositions because the prepositions were so thorough that I would get lost in the wealth of information that was presented.  However, I found Super’s life stages to be considerably more user friendly.  A final criticism of Super’s theory is that it has limited applicability to women and minorities since the vast majority of his research was based on the responses of white subjects.  Further, the theory is primarily based on an individualistic perspective and therefore, would have less applicability to individuals with a collectivistic perspective (Brown, 2016, p. 78-79).    

In contrast, Gottfredson’s theory of circumscription and compromise was significantly more user friendly and enjoyable to read.  The theory is based on 4 assumptions that illustrate the career development process as a lifelong process that is based on one’s self-perceptions and self-concept and any career stereotypes they may have about the occupation (Brown, 2016, p. 80).  Gottfredson’s developmental stages were also comprehensive yet easy to follow.  According to Gottfredson career development begins at about three when children are beginning to learn about sex-role stereotypes and the activities and occupations of the adults in their lives.  Eventually, children develop an orientation to sex roles, and social valuation, and they use these messages as they begin to explore desirable and fitting career choices from themselves by age fourteen (Brown, 2016, p. 82).  Overall, I found Gottfredson’s theory to be easier to subscribe to based on its comprehensive yet user friendly nature.

Reference

Brown, D.  (2016).  Career information, career counseling and career development, 11th ed.  Pearson: New York.