In proposing a "work and relationship" perspective for vocational psychology, Richardson builds on a rich intellectual (social constructionist) tradition and offers incisive social commentary. In this reaction, the author examines several of her foci--in particular, the four-part division of life's social contexts, her views on relationships, and…

Taking the point of departure in three different narratives concerning training as a cabinet maker, the article shows how the choice of a particular education is ascribed different significance, depending on the period and the individual's social background. In order to grasp the intersection between factors connected to the concepts of generation…

The authors outline scenarios for the future of technical training. They speculate on the future of technical education and career development and on their implications for employers and trainers. They suggest that society may want to take an active role in planning technology. (CT)

In this article we consider the contribution of a social constructionist perspective to our understandings of career. We examine this approach in relation to two studies: a study of women's career transition from organizational employment to portfolio work, and a study of the careers of research scientists. Within the career literature a dichotomy…

Asserts that sociology is losing ground to other disciplines and programs that are engaged more actively in the workplace. Proposes that, because of the vast changes in the workplace, there is a more active and more applied role for sociology that may help to provide greater opportunities for students and faculty. (DB)

Five theoretical perspectives related to occupational choice were assessed. These were (1) Super's career development perspective, (2) Holland's typology of occupational choice, (3) status-attainment research in the field of sociology, (4) economic theory of individual willingness to work in different occupations, and (5) a model of decision…

This book proposes a new, multidisciplinary theory for explaining and predicting current and future patterns of women's choice between employment and family work. Chapters 1 and 2 present main tenets of preference theory and explain the need for the theory. Chapters 3 through 8 elaborate four principal tenets of preference theory. Chapter 3…

The evolving role of work in society and the factors driving emerging trends in work were examined to assist career development practitioners in helping individuals deal with life-role balance. Donald Super's life-space theory was presented as a framework for adult career development and used as a backdrop for discussing how adults can crystallize…