Which theory posits that career patterns are shaped by the expression of vocational self-concept?

• A. Parson
• B. Super's theory
• C. Gottfredson
• D. Krumboltz

Answer: (B)

The idea here is that how a person sees themselves as a worker—their vocational self-concept—drives their career path. In Super’s Life-Span, Life-Space framework, career patterns emerge from expressing that self-concept: decisions, changes, and adjustments in work roles reflect who you feel you are or aspire to become at different ages and life roles. As you grow, your self-concept evolves, so your occupational choices and satisfaction shift to stay aligned with that changing sense of self. This perspective treats career development as a process of continually expressing and refining self-identity through work over the life course.

Other theories focus on different influences: trait-factor theory centers on matching measured abilities and interests to occupations; circumscription and compromise describe narrowing choices due to social and cognitive constraints; social learning emphasizes learned behaviors and environmental inputs. While important, they don’t place the same central emphasis on the expression of vocational self-concept as the engine driving career patterns.