Integrating Social Class Into Vocational Psychology: ...

Theory and Practice Implications

an article by Matthew A Diemer (Michigan State University) and Saba Rasheed Ali (University of Iowa) in Journal of Career Assessment Volume 17 Number 3 (2009)

Abstract
Although social class plays a salient and significant role in career development and occupational attainment, social class is under-represented in vocational psychology theory, scholarship, and practice. Vocational psychologists are in a unique position to meet the career development needs of persons from all social classes by integrating a fuller understanding of social class into their scholarship and practice. This article provides an interdisciplinary review of conceptualisation and operationalisation of social class, the consideration of social class by theories of career development, the impact of social class upon career development processes, and implications of social class for career counseling and assessment. Through helping vocational psychologists more deeply understand social class and its interconnections to career development and occupational attainment, this article intends to create a springboard for the further integration of social class into vocational psychology scholarship and practice.

Hazel’s comment:

“Yes, yes” I found myself saying and then realised that I didn’t have a clue as to what a vocational psychologist is or does. Google wasn't a great deal of help although I did find the Society of Vocational Psychologists, several books about vocational psychology and yet another journal to add to the ever-growing list of sources that Dawn and I use to produce this blog and ADSET Member’s Update.

Then I came across a dictionary of vocational psychology terms “vocational psychology dictionary, focusing on terms important for career choice and development, work, and leisure” which I guess answers the question to an extent.

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