Essay on Human Development: Contrast Self-Concept Theory and Trait Theory with Regard to Occupational Choice

There are various factors which underlie occupational choice. I believe that social and economic environment is crucial in the establishment of the career choice. On the other hand, a person can exert vocational choice. In this context, he/she may make a wise and reasonable career choice or an unsatisfying one. Nowadays there are numerous forces which are the main determinants of occupational choice in our society. The birthright of the person is considered to be the most considerable factor in vocational choice because it constitutes the nationality, race, social belonging, family, educational and cultural possibilities for the individual, etc. An individual’s family is one of the most significant factors in the career choice.
As a rule, children continue their parents’ occupations. In some cases, children choose their occupations according to the range acceptable to parental confirmation. Social class is the principal indicator in choosing this or that career. The inner world and the personality also play a principal role in occupational choice. A person often chooses the future occupation concerning the life style following his/her own vocation.

In this paper I am going to describe self-concept theory and trait theory with regard to occupational choice.

The principal assumption of the self-concept theory is that career choice is an individual endeavor to carry out his/her self-concept. “In choosing an occupation one is, in effect, choosing a means of implementing a self-concept”(Super, p. 196). In this context, the self is determined as a differentiated side of the entire phenomenal field. While working, an individual tries to express his sense of who this person is. An individual endeavors to live out in his occupation his strivings, objectives, dreams, hopes, etc. The extent to which he can convey who he is depends on the extent of occupation satisfaction an individual receives from his job. If the occupation corresponds to his notion of who he is as an individual, a person may have a high occupation satisfaction. But if the job does not meet the person’s aspirations, the individual will have a low level of occupation satisfaction. Herr and Cramer said it this way: “The major concern in a career [development] model is the clarity and accuracy of the self-concept as the evaluative base by which to judge available career options” (p. 155).

The main objective of the trait theory is to understand the individual with regard to his personal characteristics and traits. They are supposed to be behavior demonstration of the person. According to this theory, an individual can be open, reserved, loving, sensitive, bright, dull, uninteresting, neurotic, psychotic, extroverted, introverted, etc. The main postulate of the trait theory is that human beings vary in their individual characteristics and their occupations diversify in their requirements. Counseling is the means to suit traits to occupations. Basing on the received results it is possible to match the right job with respect to personal qualities and opportunities.

I consider that the recognition of the importance of the self-concept and the trait theories in career exploration provides the basis for occupational choice.

Bibliography:

• Super, D. E. (1957). “The psychology of careers.” New York: Harper & Brothers
• Herr, E. L., & Cramer, S. H. (1992). “Career guidance and counseling through the life span” (4th ed.). New York: HarperCollin