Career Choice and Development

tives (a minor compromise) can limit the degree to which the pre-
ferred self-concept can be fully implemented via career, the prospect
of taking a frankly unacceptable job (a major compromise) can
deeply threaten the self-concept. As will be discussed shortly, a
major compromise along some dimensions of compatibility is more
upsetting than others.

Principles of Compromise. The theory proposes four principles by
which compromise proceeds. They all emphasize the greater impor-
tance to individuals of protecting one’s visible social self than the
more private psychological self. We are social beings, so crafting a
“good enough” public self is essential; fulfilling the private self is
more discretionary, at least until later in life.

GOTTFREDSON’S THEORY OF CIRCUMSCRIPTION, COMPROMISE, AND SELF-CREATION 103

Note:The graph shows sensitivity to different degrees of compromise in sex-
type, prestige, and field of interests.

FIGURE4.4. Concern Over Degrees of Compromise

Individual’s Level of Concern

Low

High

Degree of Compromise

Low Moderate High

Fieldofinterest

a

b

c

d Prestige

Sextype

e

f

g

h

i