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ABSTRACT
In this paper, I address Jacque Lacan’s theory of the four discourses, namely, master/slave, university, hysteric and analyst. The four discourses are explored via interviews with five postgraduate business students from a leading Irish business school. Three of the students were prepared to abdicate responsibility for career decision-making to me, thereby suggesting the discourses of the master/slave and university. The remaining two students expected to retain greater control over the career decision-making process which implies a shift in position to the discourse of the analyst. I propose that career counselling should primarily reside in the discourse of analyst, with supporting reference to the discourses of hysteric, university and master/slave. Currently, there is no inclusion of Lacan in career theory.
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the author upon reasonable request.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Patrick Phillips
Patrick Phillips has 15 years’ experience in career counselling. He has previously published on the application of Lacanian theory to career counselling. He has also published research examining the impact of Emotional Intelligence in commercial, third-level education and the social/not-for-profit sector. He is currently employed as a career counsellor with Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.