Super’s Theory and Adolescent Career Development, Dissertation – Discussion Example

Super’s theoretical assumptions are directed towards career development based on two major criteria namely, “Life Role “and “Life stages.” Some vital roles outlined by this theory are coupled as studying and working; community service and leisure activities; family and home and singularly personal development (Super, 1963)

From enacting these roles Super makes further assumptions to deduct that they initiate a value paradigm inherent in making career choices. These choices are closely related to “life stages.” Eight distinct stages are outlined in the typology with adolescence being the first. It was emphasized that even though there may be a chronological age relationship attached to each stage it is not to be understood as a universal pattern since people may keep recycling stages at any age(  Super, 1963)

Precisely, in considering the recycling of stages among adolescents, career development factors such as domestic and community violence, teenage single-parent homes, sexual abuse and harassment in homes and work places, budget cuts by state entities affecting income intensified by unemployment affect adolescent career development.

Then, drugs addiction severely hampers career development among adolescents who have to engage in rehabilitation for extended periods of their life. As such, they may be stuck in a stage until in their later years of life. Hence, programs must be in place primarily to address career development from as aspect of preventing the dysfunctions experienced in our society among many adolescents affected by the dilemmas mentioned earlier.

Each program identified in the six stage typology advanced by Super’s models has it own merit comparatively. When assessing them from an individual perspective it is observed that elements such as self assessment, exploration and education; work society and the economy, awareness of opportunities, career decision-making and employability have been usefully integrated (Super, 1963)

Works cited

Super Donald. “Career Development: Self-Concept Theory.”College Board: New York. Print