Women's career construction: Promoting employability through career adaptability and resilience

Abstract

While slightly over half of women worldwide are in the workforce, men's participation rate is about 77% and the average global gender wage gap is 24%. These statistics, among others, are clear indicators that gender equity in the workplace is not yet a reality. In this chapter, the author presents information regarding the gendered workplace, which is highly influenced by gender role socialization and stereotyping. Then, through the lens of a life design paradigm, the application and integration of career construction theory and social cognitive career theory are discussed. Additionally, the use of reflexivity within career construction counseling, as well as deconstruction that can occur around limiting beliefs and/or behaviors, and other strategies for developing resilience and career adaptability are proposed. Lastly, there is a call for lifelong career development, starting at an early age and continuing throughout the lifespan, to help combat gender stereotypes and promote women's employability (career) resilience, and career adaptability, thereby opening opportunities for a lifetime of optimal life design.