The Career Exploration of a Previously Disadvantaged Middle-Aged Woman: A Case Study

Abstract

The case study explores the perceptions of a middle-aged, previously disadvantaged South African woman regarding her career aspirations and her promotability. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. Narrative inquiry was used to interview the client. The themes that emerged centered on external and internal barriers that the participant perceived to impact on her career development. Career counseling interventions could be helpful to women from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Keywords:

• middle-aged
• career development
• women
• barriers
• socialisation
• maintenance career stage
• self-efficacy
• outcome expectations