Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The primary goal of the present study was to examine the influence of sexual minority identity on the career decision and trajectory of 15 lesbian women and 14 gay men, between the ages of 18-57. Next, the phase of career development and the social context of these participants were examined through the lens of Super's (1990) life-span, life-space theory of career development. Three main findings emerged from this study. First, although oppressive forces, such as heterosexism, homophobia, and discrimination pervasively influence the career development of sexual minorities, there is evidence of a process by which they mediate the impact of these influences on career development, namely, by minimizing exposure to homophobia, maximizing exposure to affirming professional and personal supports, and by capitalizing on strength and resilience gained over the course of developing a sexual minority identity. Next, although participants' phase of career development was consistent with what Super's (1990) life-span theory would predict, factors related to sexual orientation and homophobia influenced how they maneuvered within and between these phases. Finally, the situational determinants-portion of life-span theory were determined to have limited efficacy for describing the social context within which sexual minorities choose and pursue careers, as it does not take into consideration the systemic heterosexism and homophobia that qualify the life-space of sexual minority persons. The addition of oppression as an over-arching influence on the life-space of marginalized persons in general, and sexual minority persons in particular, is proposed. Limitations of the present study, as well as implications for research and counselling practice are presented.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Lisa White
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2528704684