Australian women and careers : psychological and contextual influences over the life course

'Australian women and careers' makes an important contribution to our understanding of the changing role of women in society. It draws on a unique Australia-wide longitudinal study of men and women, both in the paid workforce and in the home. From an initial set of 5000 17-year-olds surveyed in 1973, the educational and career paths of 3000 were followed through to 1982 and, of these, 30 were the subject of a qualitative, in-depth study from childhood through to 1990. The authors use this rich data to explore the range of factors that influence women's careers and their career choices. Women have been at the forefront of rapid social and occupational change during this period. The authors examine the issues affecting women's lives and consider the impact of changes in their educational and occupational opportunities. In analysing the shifts in women's careers, they examine factors such as success criteria, stress and the conflicting demands of work and home. This book provides a useful critique and summary of existing career and occupational theories, pointing to crucial gender differences in the development of careers. The authors propose a new model of career development which embraces the experiences of both women and men, and make policy recommendations relevant to employers, career analysts and advisers, and governments. [Book cover