Lecture Notes: Chapter 7 - Work and Retirement

Introduction

• Progress: On Chapter 7 of 10.
• Order of chapters: 7, 8, 9, 11 (skipping 10).
• Topic: Work and Retirement

Importance of Careers

• Careers are patterns and sequences of occupations people have.
• Work: Major part of life influencing time, location, lifestyle.
• Advice: Choose a career you love to avoid discontentment.

Super's Theory of Career Development

• Developed by Donald Super, a vocational psychologist.
• Life Span, Life Space Theory: Career choices reflect self-concept.
• Five Stages Model:
  1. Growth (4-14 years): Develop self-concept, learn about the world.
  2. Exploration (15-24 years): Crystallize career choices, specify occupational choices.
  3. Establishment (25-44 years): Stabilize career, advance in jobs.
  4. Maintenance (45-65 years): Hold and innovate in jobs, prepare for retirement.
  5. Disengagement (65+ years): Decelerate work, retire.

Gender Differences in Career Patterns

• More men work full-time than women (74% vs. 62%).
• Women move in/out of jobs more due to child-rearing or spouse relocation.
• Women often work part-time compared to men (25% vs. 10%).
• Impacts: Lower earnings for women, fewer benefits, less advancement.

Holland's Theory of Career Selection

• Between 18-38, average person has ~10 jobs.
• Congruence: People seek work environments fitting their personality.
• Six Personality Types:
  1. Realistic
  2. Investigative
  3. Artistic
  4. Social
  5. Enterprising
  6. Conventional
• Vocational tests often based on Holland's model.

Occupational Gender Segregation

• Traditionally "his" and "her" jobs.
• Jobs like construction/plumbing (male-dominated) vs. secretarial/nursing (female-dominated).
• Pink-collar jobs: Lower pay, less prestige.
• Efforts continue to reduce gender-specific job roles.

Family Influences on Career Choice

• Family income affects educational and career choices.
• Children of working mothers have broader career perspectives.
• Genetics and family traditions influence career paths.
• Twin studies: Significant correlation between separated twin males having similar careers (not observed in females).

Age Trends and Work Experience

• Job performance doesn't change significantly with age.
• Older workers generally more satisfied with jobs.
• Satisfaction due to settled careers, realistic job expectations, higher positions.

Conclusion

• Lecture to be continued in a second video to complete Chapter 7.