The Aims of Career Development Policy: Towards a Comprehensive Framework

Robertson, Peter J.

Abstract

This chapter explores and questions the aims of public policy for career development. In the early years of the 21st century, an international consensus emerged in the literature describing the intentions of governments when they seek to intervene in the careers of their citizens. A case is made for a broader conception of the socially desirable outcomes from career interventions. Drawing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a systematic framework of six types of policy goal for career development services is proposed: (i) labour market goals, (ii) educational goals, (iii) social equity goals, (iv) health and well-being goals, (v) environmental goals, and (vi) peace and justice goals. The latter three categories represent new or relatively neglected areas of focus. Cross-cutting themes of social justice, sustainability, and societal change are highlighted.

• Online Publication Date: Sep 2, 2020
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jan 22, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 22, 2021
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Book Title: The Oxford Handbook of Career Development
• ISBN: 9780190069704
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190069704.013.9
• Keywords: career development, development goals, public policy, social justice, sustainability
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2717071