Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What is the primary focus of Gottfredson's Theory of Circumscription, Compromise, and Self-Creation?

1. The role of economic status in career choices

2. The impact of gender and prestige on vocational outcomes

3. The influence of education on career development

4. The effects of social class on identity formation

The correct answer is: The impact of gender and prestige on vocational outcomes

Gottfredson's Theory of Circumscription, Compromise, and Self-Creation primarily emphasizes the ways in which gender and social prestige influence individual career choices and outcomes. This theory suggests that individuals in their vocational development tend to circumscribe or limit their career options based on social expectations related to gender and perceived prestige of different professions. As individuals evaluate their career options, they often internalize societal norms and standards about what careers are deemed acceptable or prestigious for their gender. This understanding leads to a process where individuals adjust their aspirations to align with those norms, which illustrates how gender roles and the perceived status of various occupations can significantly shape career paths. By recognizing the importance of these factors, Gottfredson's theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how societal influences and personal identity interplay in career development. This focus on how gender and prestige impact career decisions differentiates it from the other options provided. The roles of economic status, education, and social class also have implications for career development but are not as central to the tenets of Gottfredson's theory as the influence of gender and prestige.