Gottfredson’s Theory of Circumscription and Compromise PSY 714 Instructor: Emily E. Bullock, Ph.D.

Class Exercise Demonstrates The Occupational Map concept Social self-concept Circumscription Social space

The Theory of Circumscription and Compromise Focuses on how young people gradually come to recognize and deal with the array of vocational choices their society provides A “matching” theory that emphasizes the importance of occupational information and early intervention Attempts to address the impact one’s status in society and personal variables have on career choice

4 Developmental Processes Cognitive Growth Self-Creation Circumscription Compromise -

Four Stages of Circumscription Stage 1: Orientation to Size and Power Stage 2: Orientation to Sex Roles Stage 3: Orientation to Social Valuation Stage 4: Orientation to Internal, Unique Self

Stages 1 & 2 of Circumscription Sex Roles (elementary school) Stage 1: Size and Power (preschool) Male roles Firefighter Truck driver Doctor Female roles Nurse Teacher Secretary Big, powerful Adult roles Worker Parent Little, Child

Stages 3 & 4 of Circumscription Internal, unique self (high school and beyond) Stage 3: Social valuation (middle school) High Doctor I A Artist High prestige Sales manager E R Miner Doctor Social S worker Teacher C File clerk Nurse Firefighter Secretary Low prestige Truck Driver Low Male Neutral Female Male Neutral Female

3 Factors in the Compromise Process Truncated Search, Limited Knowledge Bigger Investment, Better Accessibility The Good Enough or Not Too Bad

L. Gottfredson’s Stance on Intelligence Sees intellectual ability of a client to be an important consideration in career development as well as other areans (L. Gottfredson 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 1997, 1986, 1984) Holds that psychological science and helping professionals often ignore difference in intelligence (or the “g” factor) How do you feel about discussing ability level and intelligence with clients as they are moving through the career development process?

Theory of Circumscription and Compromise in Practice See Comprehensive Career Guidance and Counseling System Handout Evaluation of the Theory of Circumscription and Compromise How might you use this theory? How do the constructs of this theory compare to others we have discussed? -