Which major tenet of Super's theory describes how the career pattern is formed?

• A. Career patterns are fixed in adolescence
• B. Career patterns are driven solely by market demand
• C. Career patterns are unrelated to self-concept
• D. Career patterns are expressions of vocational self-concept

Answer: (D)

In Super's theory, career patterns are expressions of vocational self-concept—the way a person views themselves in terms of interests, values, abilities, and the roles they want to play. Because self-concept develops and changes over the life span, the career path is continually shaped to fit that evolving image, moving through stages like growth, exploration, establishment, maintenance, and disengagement. Market demand can influence available options, but the driving force behind the pattern is how the person sees themselves, not external pressures alone. For example, someone who identifies with creativity and helping others may pursue teaching or counseling, and as their self-concept broadens to include leadership, their path might shift toward administrative or mentoring roles. Thus, a career pattern reflecting vocational self-concept captures why and how the path changes over time, rather than being fixed in adolescence or unrelated to self-concept.