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(Re)constructing career education as a socially just practice: An antipodean reflection

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International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The author contends that career education has lost its way, and needs to be (re)located within a critical social justice framework if it is to effectively prepare young people to engage with the social, political and economic discourses that inform the shaping of ‘career(s)’. Relating to the New Zealand context, differing versions of social justice are outlined, the challenges for career education explored, and the potential for change discussed.

Résumé.

(Re)construire l’orientation professionnelle comme une pratique socialement juste: une réflexion antipodale (néo-zélandaise). L’auteur soutient que la formation professionnelle est inadaptée et nécessite une (re)localisation à l’intérieur d’un cadre critique sur la justice sociale. Ceci dans l’objectif de préparer les jeunes à prendre part à des problématiques sociales, politiques et économiques qui façonnent les métiers. En faisant référence au contexte néo-zélandais, différentes versions de la justice sociale sont exposées, les défis pour la formation professionnelle sont explorés et les potentiels de changement sont discutés.

Zusammenfassung.

(Re)konstruktion von Berufswahlvorbereitung als eine sozial gerechte Praxis: Eine australisch-neuseeländische Reflexion. Der Autor postuliert, dass Berufswahlvorbereitung vom Weg abgekommen ist und eine Wieder(-Eingliederung) unter die kritische Perspektive der sozialen Gerechtigkeit benötigt, wenn sie junge Leute wirksam darauf vorbereiten will, mit den sozialen, politischen und ökonomischen Gesichtspunkten umzugehen, welche „Karriere(n)” formen. Unter Bezugnahme auf den Kontext in Neuseeland werden unterschiedliche Versionen von sozialer Gerechtigkeit skizziert, die Herausforderungen für die Berufswahlvorbereitung erkundet und die Möglichkeiten für Veränderungen diskutiert.

Resumen.

(Re)construyendo la educación para la carrera como una práctica socialmente justa: una reflexión desde las antípodas (Nueva Zelanda). El autor argumenta que la educación para la carrera ha perdido su rumbo y debe ser (re)situada en el marco de un enfoque de justicia social crítica si ha de preparar a los y las jóvenes para implicarse en los discursos sociales, políticos y económicos que conforman las “carreras”. Teniendo en cuenta el contexto de Nueva Zelanda, se presentan distintas formas de entender la justicia social, se exploran los retos que se le plantean a la educación para la carrera, y se discute el potencial para el cambio.

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  1. University of Otago, College of Education, Postgraduate Studies Room, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand

    Barrie A. Irving

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Irving, B.A. (Re)constructing career education as a socially just practice: An antipodean reflection. Int J Educ Vocat Guidance 10, 49–63 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-009-9172-1

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