Career counseling is an intervention process that offers professional assistance toward assessing individual personality, interests, and skills. Career counseling has undergone a wide range of changes in the modern society (Maree & Beck, 2004). For example, Taneka, a 17-year-old African American female is in a dilemma of choosing her career path considering her family-based environment and financial pressures upon her family. The diversity issues in the modern society have developed new challenges both to the counselor and the client. This paper will discuss the impact gender, culture, and social-economic status that have influenced career counseling in relation to Taneka’s scenario. The adoption of the social cognitive theory of gender development, culture development, and socio-economic status development will facilitate addressing these potential influences with positive outcomes upon Taneka’s career path.
Gender-related roles have complicated the theory of counseling, especially toward career development (Maree & Beck, 2004). Taneka has a bias that she is unworthy to proceed with education since she is a female and has much to do regarding domestic spheres of life. As a career counselor, I will take into consideration the acceptable social behavior established on gender in Taneka cultural community. Considering Taneka is a female, she is likely to face opposition from her parents and clan elders hence the need for incorporating them in the career counseling sessions (Arthur & McMahon, 2005).
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The Taneka’s family have variant socialization processes that give variant influences on leisure, academic level, and suitable gender roles. The socialization aspect also affects the interaction of Taneka with her peers and the elderly, consequently reinforcing the specific type of behaviors. The integration of social cognitive theory of gender development while discussing related personal issues will help in formulating evidence-based solutions on Taneka’s career path. On the other hand, Taneka, may not be comfortable discussing some gender-related issues prevailing in her family (Maree & Beck, 2004). The biases and assumptions on gender-related careers such as male dominated or female dominated occupations may result in inefficiency while discussing with Taneka on her career selection (Arthur & McMahon, 2005).
Taneka’s culture has a huge influence on establishing her career path. As a counselor, I need to integrate the career choices that Taneka may choose considering she is an African American. The cultural diversity and biases make it difficult in the decision-making process and goal identification, especially for Taneka. The essence of integrating the social cognitive theory of culture development during the counseling session will enhance behavior change and increase beneficial aspects in the social interactions of Taneka (Maree & Beck, 2004). Comprehensive observation of Taneka culture will give a preview of Taneka’s personality and behavior. On the other hand, fulfills gives consideration to the ethnic, cultural values which majorly fulfils her parents’ wishes (Maree & Beck, 2004). The social-cognitive theory of culture development will create a cohesive relationship that enhances individualism reflection on personalized interests and decision-making process, regardless of the cultural background. The biases and assumptions on the rigidity of changing some cultural values highly affect the counseling session, which may be the case in Taneka’s scenario (Arthur & McMahon, 2005).
Taneka comes from a family that has unstable financial sources. Her mother has difficulties educating other siblings, which creates barriers for Taneka proceeding with her education and career path. Considering the social-economic status of the family, I see the need of providing Tanaka with helpful information regarding college life and careers that suit her dreams, aspirations, and goals. I see the need of Taneka visiting different colleges and get first-hand experience of college life, which will be an eye opener in selection of her career path regardless of the social-economic status of her family. Application of the social cognitive theory of social-economic status development is useful toward reciprocating the Taneka’s lifestyle (Maree & Beck, 2004). It is essential to understand that biases and assumptions on varying levels of social-economic status highly affect career selection and career ambitions. There is need of establishing a favorable environment that will enhance openness regardless of the social-economic status (Arthur & McMahon, 2005).
- Arthur, N., & McMahon, M. (2005). Multicultural Career Counseling: Theoretical Applications of the Systems Theory Framework. The Career Development Quarterly, 53(3), 208-222.
- Maree, J. G., & Beck, G. (2004). Using Various Approaches in Career Counselling for
Traditionally Disadvantaged (and other) Learners: Some Limitations of a New Frontier. South African Journal of Education, 24(1), 80-87.
