Toward a relational perspective of the psychology of careers and working: A social constructionist analysis

This article explores the contributions of social constructionist thought to the development of a relational approach to careers. In this article, the term "careers" is defined as encompassing the working lives of all individuals. Using a social constructionist perspective to critique existing assumptions about careers, work, and relationships, the authors develop a conceptual framework that expands the theoretical opportunities inherent in a relational approach to the study of careers. The article concludes by highlighting implications of a social constructionist analysis of a relational approach to careers for theory development, research, practice, and public policy, (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.