The career constructions of and influences on career choices of adolescents in a low-income school

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT : In a multi-cultural society such as South Africa, the implementation of career psychology has been challenging as most of our approaches to career counselling have been derived from a westernised perspective. These approaches are based on the notion that people have a choice with regard to the career pathway they want to pursue. However, this is not true for the majority of South Africans, and therefore these approaches are not applicable to them. It is evident that the development of indigenous approaches to career psychology is necessary to serve the needs of the majority. The primary objective of this research was to gain an in-depth understanding of the Construct of career and the influences on career choices of adolescents attending a low-income school. The aim was also to contribute to the literature that is needed to develop more indigenous approaches. The study used an interpretive paradigm and the research design was a collective case study. The research was conducted at a high school in a small, historically coloured, Afrikaans-speaking community and the sample consisted of eleven grade nine learners. Data collection involved a systems-based activity, a photovoice activity, a focus group and individual interviews. The data were analysed using the constant comparative method.The research findings indicated that the participants' understanding of the construct of career was linear, future-oriented and demonstrative of limited insight. Furthermore, the participants showed a lack of career maturity that can be attributed to the fact that South Africa still tends to follow westernised approaches. Influences in the social system, such as parents, siblings, teachers and the media, were identified as both positive and negative influences. Finally, issues of social justice and inequality were identified due to the influence that the participants' low socio-economic status had on their career choices.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University