The circumscription and compromise theory posits the development of self-image in occupations, narrowing with age of acceptable career options, and compromise of vocational aspirations. "Mapping Vocational Challenges" is an activity based on this theory that helps adolescents map and discuss the beliefs that might lead them to rule out possible…

Studied age trends in the match between vocational aspirations and actual jobs. Men 16-28 years old were interviewed yearly. Higher agreement between jobs and aspirations occurred with age. Additionally, distributions of both aspirations and actual jobs differed with age. Discussed implications for changing strategies of vocational counseling.…

Nationally representative longitudinal data on 2548 white men and 822 black men aged 15-24 in 1966 were used to assess changes in aspirations and attainment between 1966 and 1971. Occupational as well as educational level was considered. Predictions that aspirations would be lowered when men failed to advance in educational level over a one year…

Longitudinal data on 1394 employed White men were used to assess whether job opportunities or vocational aspirations were the more important determinants of later job held. Results indicated men more often achieve congruence between their aspiration and their field of employment by changing aspirations to match the job. (Author)

This study examined the possibility that the large racial differences in income are partly the result of blacks and whites holding jobs in different Holland Fields of work, some of which might pay much better than others. Data from the 1970 U.S. census were used to determine the mean income of 27,067 white men aged 26-65 grouped by educational…

Data on a nationally representative sample of 3730 white men aged 15 to 24 in 1966 were obtained from the National Longitudinal Study of the Labor Market Experience of Young Men. The men were interviewed every year from 1966 to 1971, and the surveys provide data on aspirations and employment experiences for each year. Three variables--job…

Charts the rate at which occupational differentiation proceeds among (N=3730) White men age 16-28, and investigates the personal and family attributes by which they are distributed, or distribute themselves, to jobs. Results suggest occupational differentiation among men stabilizes by the mid-twenties; distribution occurs primary along an…

This report describes a study that examined three types of change that affect career development: (1) changes in jobs and behavior that occur as people mature and age, (2) cultural changes that alter the opportunities and attitudes of people born at different times in history, and (3) changes in the environment that affect the opportunities and…

Presents a theory of the development of occupational aspirations. Defines key constructs; reviews evidence that social groups share similiar occupational images; and describes circumscription of occupational preferences according to the individual's developing self-concept. Discusses developmental stages, and peoples' perceptions of opportunities…

A study was conducted to examine race and sex differences in occupational aspirations and the role of these differences in perpetuating under- or overrepresentation of women and blacks in different occupations. The underrepresentation of women, especially blacks, in all levels of entrepreneurial jobs was stressed since these jobs constitute a…

In order to learn how people may alter or reconcile their aspirations and jobs during their career development, this study examined the match between vocational aspirations and actual jobs of white young men and older men. Age trends in the match between vocational aspirations and actual jobs were studied in a nationally representative sample of…