ABSTRACT

In response to the complexities of social change that have become evident in the 21st century, there is a need for innovation in career theory that takes into account new perspectives and the fluctuating contexts of people’s lives. Contemporary Theories of Career Development: International Perspectives brings together the contributions of theorists from around the globe whose work represents current, cutting-edge international approaches to career development theory. Emphasizing the new perspectives that are needed for this field to be relevant in a contemporary era, this book considers the cultural applications of theory in a diverse range of populations.

Structured in three parts with chapters written by internationally renowned leaders in the field, this collection features a critical examination of the current history of the field; thirteen theory chapters, each enhanced by a case study; and a final chapter that draws the previous chapters together through key themes, broadening the reader’s knowledge of theoretical perspectives and their interrelations. Each theory chapter author comments on and critiques his or her own theory, inviting readers to engage with these theories at both a practical and theoretical level through the case studies.

Detailed, with reader-friendly descriptions and supplemented by international research, case examples, and discussion questions, Contemporary Theories of Career Development: International Perspectives is the ideal reference work for students studying the topic as well as a stimulus for researchers and practitioners looking to implement the theories in their work.

part I|2 pages

Career theory

chapter 1|17 pages

Career development theory

Origins and history

chapter 3|14 pages

Stasis and change

The paradox in theories of career development

part II|2 pages

Contemporary theoretical perspectives

chapter 4|14 pages

Social cognitive career theory

Empirical evidence and cross-cultural applications

chapter 5|17 pages

Cognitive information processing theory

Applications of an empirically based theory and interventions to diverse populations

chapter 6|13 pages

Contextual action theory

Concepts, processes, and examples

chapter 7|14 pages

Career construction for life design

Practice and theory

chapter 8|16 pages

The systems theory framework of career development

Accommodating context, complexity, and culture

chapter 10|18 pages

Careers as fractal patterns

The chaos theory of careers perspective

chapter 11|13 pages

The psychology of working theory

A transformative perspective for a challenging era

chapter 12|14 pages

Choice or constraint?

Sociological career theory

chapter 13|15 pages

Career development theory and practice

A culture-infused perspective

chapter 14|14 pages

The cultural preparedness framework

Equilibrium and its alteration

chapter 15|15 pages

Career development

Insights from organisation theory

chapter 16|15 pages

Counselling/psychotherapy

A vocational perspective for psychotherapy

part III|2 pages

Implications for theory and practice

chapter 17|17 pages

Contemporary career development theories

Expanding international perspectives