Strategies for combating gendered perceptions of careers

Bourne, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9008-1769 and Ozbilgin, M. (2008) Strategies for combating gendered perceptions of careers. Career Development International, 13 (4). pp. 320-332. ISSN 1362-0436 doi: 10.1108/13620430810880817

Abstract/Summary

Purpose – Earlier work on career choice has identified that career choice involves gendered processes which lead to differentiated career outcomes for women and men. However, this literature remained anaemic in offering career counselling strategies for addressing the negative impacts of these processes. The paper aims to explore the creativity cycle and other tools derived from personal construct psychology (PCP) and other feminist literature as potential means for dissolving gendered perceptions of various professions and organisational practices. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper. Findings – The paper argues that PCP can provide a theoretical and methodological framework for discussing how dichotomous and gender identified the perceptions of professions can be and how such perceptions might be challenged. Practical implications – This theory and its techniques allow us an exploration of the flexibility of one’s constructions system, which determines a person’s ability to construe alternative views and to develop new ways of understanding oneself and others. Originality/value – The PCP’s potential as a technique to combat gendered perceptions of a career is examined.