Career Identity Related Decision Making among IsiXhosa-Speaking Adolescents

Abstract

This study investigated career identity development among IsiXhosa speaking adolescents in South Africa. A sample of 40 Grade 12 learners, comprising 20 females and 20 males participated in the study (Age range 17 to—24 years). The Identity Status Interview of Grotevant and Cooper (1981), which is based on Marcia's Identity Status (1964) was used to investigate identity development. Marked gender differences were found, with about 75 percent of the males classified into the achievement status, as opposed to only 35 percent of the females. In addition, 55 percent of the females were more foreclosed in their career decision making as compared to only 15 percent of the males. Relatively more females than males tended to make career decisions without thoroughly exploring career possibilities. This tendency may be related to traditional stereotyping and perceptions regarding family obligations and community expectations, which may limit career options for women.