Career development learning in childhood: a collaborative guidance approach in Spanish low-income contexts

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research analyses childhood career development learning through a qualitative career assessment. To help children to make meaning of the career influences, culturally sensitive procedures were used. A case-study design has been carried out, using techniques such as mapping, family portrait, role-playing and self-portrait to unveil the process of 5-year old children's career development learning. The findings illustrate the process of meaning making of the children's system of influences in low-income contexts. They show the life themes that shape the construction of identities. The conclusion highlights the usefulness of qualitative career assessment in enhancing career development learning. The use of culturally sensitive procedures allows children to raise critical awareness about the factors that influence their career construction.