From mutualism to individual competitiveness: Implications and challenges for social justice within career guidance in neoliberal times

Abstract

The beginning of the twentieth century was a time of great societal and social change in the US. Many people struggled to find their way in a transformed and rapidly transforming society in which there was an increasing divide between the rich and the poor. Parsons and the social reformers of his time were advocates for the poor, youth, women and disadvantaged, and (Parsons, 1909) understood his vocational guidance work with individuals within a broad vision of social change. Over time, career guidance has been criticised for its lack of attention to this broad vision of social change, being more and more individualised in its practice. The changes of the 21st century have been described as neoliberal with focus on global competitiveness and increased individual autonomy. This article examines the roots of career guidance and the implications and challenges of social justice within career guidance in neoliberaltimes.