Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education Educational Resources Information Center ERIC DIGEST Career Development of Diverse Populations

Career development theories and approaches have been criticized for lack of applicability to diverse populations (Walsh et al. 2001). Re-search on career issues for these groups has been described as limited and sparse (ibid.). However, cultural diversity is a fact of life in the U.S. population and work force, and career development practitioners must be prepared to work with clients in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways. Although individuals and specific groups have different experi-ences, there are some common career-related issues faced by diverse populations. Their career choices may be constrained by socialization, access to guidance and assessment, tracking into certain fields, soci-etal and self-stereotypes, isolation from networks, and early schooling experiences (ibid.). Barriers to career development may include lack of developmental feedback or mentors, discrimination in promotion/ transfer, tokenism, hostility, plateauing, less access to training, per-ceived isolation, stress, or self-imposed performance pressure (ibid.)