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The problem with women? Challenges posed by gender for career guidance practice

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

Abstract

Institutionalised discrimination continues to perpetuate deep rooted social divisions, with gender inequality persisting as a pervasive feature of labour markets across the world. Despite the depth and breadth of gender inequality, there is limited acknowledgement in career theory that the career support needs of women are distinctive. A qualitative international comparative study into the career trajectories of older women (aged 45–65) has been conducted across six countries (Australia, Argentina, Germany, Italy, England and South Africa). The results provide an international understanding of women’s careers and offer insight into career theory and practice for women that are culturally relevant.

Résumé

Un problème avec les femmes ? Défis posés par le genre dans la pratique du conseil en orientation. La discrimination institutionnalisée perpétue des divisions sociales profondément ancrées, comme l’inégalité des genres qui persiste en tant que caractéristique omniprésente des marchés du travail dans le monde. En dépit de l’ampleur de l’inégalité du genre, il y a peu de reconnaissance théorique des besoins distincts des femmes en ce qui concerne le soutien de carrière, dans le champ de l’orientation. Une étude internationale comparative et qualitative des trajectoires professionnelles de femmes âgées (de 45 à 65 ans) a été conduite au travers de six pays (Australie, Argentine, Allemagne, Italie, Angleterre et Afrique du Sud). Les résultats offrent une compréhension internationale des carrières féminines et offrent un aperçu de théories et pratiques de carrière culturellement pertinentes vis-à-vis de la culture.

Zusammenfassung

Ein Problem mit Frauen? Gender-Herausforderungen in der beruflichen Beratung. Institutionalisierte Diskriminierungen perpetuieren weiterhin die tief verwurzelten sozialen Unterschiede, und Geschlechter-Ungleichheit ist eine allgegenwärtige und fortdauernde Erscheinung auf dem Arbeitsmärkt überall in der Welt. Trotz der beträchtlichen Geschlechter-Ungleichheit gibt es in den Theorien zur beruflichen Entwicklung nur begrenzte Anerkennung für den ausgeprägten Unterstützungsbedarf von Frauen bei ihrer Berufsentwicklung. Hierzu wurde eine qualitative internationale Vergleichsstudie über die Karrierepfade älterer Frauen (45 bis 65 Jahre) in sechs Ländern durchgeführt (Australien, Argentinien, Deutschland, Italien, England und Süd Afrika). Die Ergebnisse liefern eine internationale Verständigung über das Wesen der Karrierewege von Frauen und bieten kulturell relevante Einblicke in Theorie und Praxis der beruflichen Beratung von Frauen.

Resumen

¿El problema con las mujeres? Retos planteados por la práctica de la orientación laboral de género. La discriminación institucionalizada continúa perpetuando divisiones sociales profundamente arraigadas, con la desigualdad de género persistiendo como una característica generalizada de los mercados de trabajo en todo el mundo. A pesar de la profundidad y amplitud de la desigualdad de género, existe un conocimiento limitado en la teoría de que las necesidades de apoyo en las carreras profesionales para las mujeres, son diferentes. Un estudio comparativo cualitativo e internacional sobre las trayectorias profesionales para mujeres mayores (de 45 a 65 años) se ha llevado a cabo en seis países (Australia, Argentina, Alemania, Italia, Inglaterra y Sudáfrica). Los resultados facilitan una comprensión internacional sobre las carreras de las mujeres y ofrece información sobre la teoría y la práctica profesional de las mujeres, que son relevantes desde el punto de vista cultural.

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Correspondence to Jenny Bimrose.

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Bimrose, J., Watson, M., McMahon, M. et al. The problem with women? Challenges posed by gender for career guidance practice. Int J Educ Vocat Guidance 14, 77–88 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-013-9256-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-013-9256-9

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