ABSTRACT
Three sets of group expectations influence the development of an individual's social-psychological identification with an occupation: generalized cultural expectations current in the society, specific expectations of the family, and expectations of the occupational group. Cultural expectations direct men in our society to have an occupation, to have one at an appropriate age, and to achieve success in their chosen field. This chapter explores the problems of adjustment which may appear where these three sets of expectations present contradictions and incompatibilities. Any problems of adjustment faced by the engineering student in graduate school are solved by the feeling of success he has already achieved, or sees as being just around the corner. Approaching the problem in a different way, let us note that some occupations require very early commitment, while others can be entered later in one's career. Choice between these expectations is viewed as problematic and productive of problems of adjustment.
