Differential effects of the structure of opportunity on the development of career aspirations: A study of Project Talent participants
Shipp, Judy Louise
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/23339
Description
Title
Differential effects of the structure of opportunity on the development of career aspirations: A study of Project Talent participants
Author(s)
Shipp, Judy Louise
Issue Date
1991
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Harmon, Lenore W.
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Education, Guidance and Counseling
Language
eng
Abstract
This study explored the role of several constructs in influencing the development of career aspirations over time; namely, the personal attributes (i.e., gender, socioeconomic status, interests, abilities, and values) cited in Gottfredson's (1981) developmental theory of occupational aspirations, and the structure of opportunity presented in Astin's (1984) sociopsychological model of career choice and work behavior. The results support the inclusion of the structure of opportunity as a construct in theories of career choice. The results also emphasize the continued importance of family of origin opportunity variables in influencing career aspirations in adulthood, supporting Astin's assertion that early socialization shapes career choices in adulthood. While the findings confirm the importance of many of Gottfredson's variables in determining career aspirations, they dispute Gottfredson's choice of socioeconomic status as one of the primary determinants of the zone of acceptable occupational alternatives. The results suggest that the zone of acceptable alternatives may be better represented by sex-type and ability level than by sex-type and prestige level as Gottfredson proposed.
The findings indicate which opportunity and demographic variables were the best predictors of the traditionality, prestige level, and field of career aspirations over time. Within-subjects and between-groups differences (i.e., based on gender, socioeconomic status, and general academic aptitude) in the traditionality, prestige level, and field of career aspirations over time are also discussed. The results also indicate, which opportunity and demographic variables distinguished: (a) individuals who increased the prestige level of their aspirations over time from those who maintained or lowered their aspirations, and (b) individuals from a low socioeconomic background who aspired to high-prestige occupations from those who aspired to low- or medium-prestige occupations.
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