Microsoft Word 2007 ichrie conference Proceedings Final-Final 06-06-07. doc

 
2007 Annual International CHRIE Conference & Exposition 
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Because the workplace has long been male dominated, career development theories have been developed 
for men. Theorists have suggested that women’s careers cannot be explained appropriately by traditional models that 
emphasize men’s careers (Bierema & Opengart, 2002; Farmer etal., 1997; Gilligan (1982); Kanter, 1977; Ragins & 
Sundstron, 1989; Swanson & Fouad, 1999). For example, Super’s (1953) model of five career stages (growth, 
exploration, establishment, maintenance, and disengagement) has been criticized for ignoring that women’s career 
paths are non-linear, interrupted by women moving in and out of the workplace (Bierema & Opengart). Farmer and 
Associates concluded that there are few career development theories based on the experiences of persons of color 
and women. However, there is lack of agreement about whether to modify the existing theories or create new ones 
(Swanson & Fouad).