Ecology of Children's Career Development: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Previous efforts to elaborate an organizing framework for the study of children's career development identified its main dimensions and processes. However, the existing literature on children's ecological subsystems is scarce. This article presents a literature review of the context of children's career development. Based on Bronfenbrenner's theory, 36 eligible articles covered the following subjects: the microsystems family and school; the mesosystems family-school/peer-school relations and antecedents of transitions; the exosystems parents' work situation, social class, curriculum and teachers' professional development; the macrosystems ethnicity and culture; and the chronosystems passage of time over the life-course and across generations. An ecological perspective can be included in an organizing framework of children's careers and support further research and intervention. Empirical and practical implications are discussed.

Reviewing the role of families in student career planning

“…The concept of working in this phase of development becomes an important part of form the ideal ego. Taveira et al (2016) say that deliberate parent conversations about work, work orientation and positive valence (ie, the experience and emotions of someone who maintains their approach or reluctance to work) also seem to influence children's career exploration, perceived social support in career choices, determination of work meaning, positive expectations for their future, work motivation and valence. It also recommends the style of authoritative parenting to strengthen the career exploration of children, which will impact diverse interests with values.…”

“…In reality, the complexity of the problem of the world of education and employment in Indonesia requires every individual to carry out career planning well. Related to this, according to Taveira et al (2016) the interest to conceptualize childhood careers supported by insecurity in the education and employment context has led to the need for career intervention early and aimed at encouraging student career development and soft skills during the years in school. This implies important early career preparation for each individual to prepare potential labor candidates.…”