Toward a career psychology of women: What do we know? What do we need to know?

Reviews what is presently known in salient areas of theory, knowledge, attitudes, and techniques and outlines the various areas of expertise that should be required of those engaged in career counseling with women. Theories of career choice, career maturity, and achievement motivation are discussed, and socio-psychological information about women and the work world, sex bias in vocational interest inventories, and the reliability and relevance of career information about women are surveyed. Counselor biases and influences of client socialization reflect stereotypic attitudes limiting career choices by women. It is recommended that courses on the special needs of women be included in the training of career counselors and that counselors should actively encourage women to examine their positions and needs and to consider nontraditional careers. The goal of this is that career choice should reflect the client's optimal potential. (4 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)