Developmental Approach

Ginzberg and Associates (1951)

Ginzberg and associates was a team consisting of an economist, a psychiatrist, a sociologist, and a psychologist.

Ginzberg views career development as a long-term process separated into three periods – Fantasy, Tentative, and Realistic. Career decisions reflect an optimal adjustment between one’s ideal preferences and the available career opportunities. Also, occupational choice is considered a developmental process covering a period of 6-10 years, beginning around age 11 and ending in young adulthood.

Fantasy Period (Childhood – before age 11)

Characterized by play and imagination without boundaries to opportunity. Curiosity is at its height without consideration to one’s true abilities and potential.

Tentative Period (Early adolescence – ages 11-17)

Divided into the following stages:

1. Interest stage – begins when one becomes aware of their likes and dislikes

2. Capacity stage – begins when one becomes aware of their abilities (strengths and limitations)

3. Value stage – begins when one attaches different degrees of importance to things

4. Transition stage – reflects a greater self-reliance and awareness of occupations

Realistic Period (Middle adolescence – ages 17 to young adult)

Divided into the following stages:

1. Exploration stage – begins when one enters college or full-time work for the first time and explores several occupations

2. Crystallization stage – reflects a commitment to a major or type of work

3. Specification stage – when one specializes in graduate school or selects a specific job based on career patterns

The Ginzberg group was aware of individual patterns of career development that did not coincide with the age ranges identified in the model. These persons were identified as deviant. Ginzberg suggested two primary causes of deviance as it pertains to career development.

1. Early career patterns are a result of early, well-developed occupational skills

2. Timing of the Realistic stage may be significantly delayed due to such factors as emotional instability, personal problems, or financial considerations.

The original study of Ginzberg was based on a population of white males from upper middle-class families. It is important to consider the concepts of this study and its applicability, or lack of, to various populations.