Hope in Adult Development Among Afro-Americans

Abstract

The intent of this particular line of research is to determine the extent to which perceived racial discrimination affects the vocational and social aspirations of young black adults living in the urban North. It is contended that the period between adolescence and mid-young adulthood marks a very critical period of development for certain black young adults experiencing direct racial discrimination and social inequities. Blacks perceiving themselves in racially inequitable situations will initially demonstrate their concerns in a stressful manner. How the young black copes with perceived inequity in the work world will significantly affect future occupations and social attainments. The research analyses of black achievement orientation and occupational aspirations has produced a good deal of controversy in recent years. Studies have shown a low achievement orientation for blacks while other research has demonstrated incongruously high levels of vocational and social aspirations (Kirkpatrick, 1973; Kuvlesky and Thomas, 1971). The high level of vocational-social aspiration among