Between a rock and a hard place: Career guidance practitioner resistance and the construction of professional identity

Fiona Douglas

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    6 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Increased state intervention regarding the objectives and outcomes of career guidance leaves some practitioners deeply unhappy at the increased control this exerts over their work. In this article, I argue that practitioners are subject to the power and influence of the state's economic and welfare agendas that are contrary to their preferred position of person-centred helping. Foucault argued that power cannot exist without resistance, yet those who identify with having a profession have few spaces for dissent. They express resistance through adherence to personal values. Strengthening the role of the professional body may provide them with a voice that needs to be heard.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)163-173
    Number of pages11
    JournalInternational Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance
    Volume11
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2011

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