Linda Gottfredson

Linda Gottfredson (1947-     ) is currently a professor of educational psychology at the University of Delaware and is co-director of the Delaware-Johns Project for the Study of Intelligence and Society.

Gottfredson's career development theory focuses on the concept that we "inherited" our career, using the notions of self-concept, circumscription and compromise. Self-concept consists of how our attitudes, beliefs, skills, and interests are strongly influenced by out shared experiences, while we also remain in control of our own development. Gottfredson names the stages of circumscription as follows:
1) Orientation to size and power (ages 3 to 5)
2) Orientation to sex roles (ages 6-8)
3) Orientation to social valuation (ages 9-11)
4) Orientation to internal, unique self (ages 14+)

Gottfredson suggests that during this time an individual eliminates certain occupations based on gender roles, etc. During compromise, an individual relinquishes their preferred occupations for less compatible or more accessible ones. Gottfredson suggests that an individual:

1) Works with their core traits
2) Sample a broad range of experiences
3) Surround yourself with people, activities, and settings that bring out the best in them
4) Acknowledge that each person and situation is unique
5) Keep an open mind about their options