Contemporary career development theories

Abstract

Chapter authors in Part I of this book reminded us of the extensive history of career development, the recursive and essential relationship between theory and practice, and the issues that have emerged and remain unresolved in relation to extant career theory. Such issues have stimulated the development of a range of more contemporary theories. Part II of the book included 13 chapters based on contemporary career theories, most of which, to date, have received less attention in career development texts than foundational theories, some of which were first proposed in the mid-20th century. Such seminal theories have provided a firm foundation on which the profession of career development has been established and continues to influence the field and underpin practice. Part III of the book concludes the book. This chapter’s purpose is to synthesize themes from the chapters related to the four aims of the book and propose future directions for career theory.