and metadimensions—a confusion that has resulted in use of the
termself-conceptas a synonym for, and even instead of, the term self-
esteem.Career construction theory asserts that self-concept dimen-
sions influence the content of choice alternatives, whereas the
metadimensions shape the process of choosing. Particularly useful in
comprehending decisional processes are the metadimensions of
esteem, clarity, consistency, realism, complexity, and efficacy. In this
regard, research (Super, 1982) has shown that those who lack self-
esteem are less likely to make good matches between vocational
self-concepts and occupational roles. Similarly, it is difficult to see
how people who have vague self-concepts can adequately picture
themselves in any occupational role. A person whose self-percepts
are contradictory—who sees herself, for example, as both gregarious
and solitary or as friendly and hostile—must also have difficulty
translating that inconsistent self-concept into fitting occupations.
One whose vocational self-concept is unrealistic is likely to make
unwise choices, and one whose concept of self is limited to a few
dimensions seems likely to have an inadequate basis for making
matching decisions. And finally, an individual with weak self-efficacy
for career construction may avoid making choices and remain unde-
cided or indecisive (Betz & Taylor, 1994).
To this point, I have stressed the role of the family, neighbor-
hood, and school in providing self-ideas to fill developing voca-
tional self-concepts. Implicit in this discussion has been the view
that the content of self-concepts emerges from the interpersonal
world that children inhabit.
Career Choice Within Social Networks
The social networks that engage individuals impose cultural scripts
about gender, race, ethnicity, and class that condition the develop-
ment of children’s vocational self-concepts. Career attitudes and
aspirations are tightly tied to the social practices in which they are
forged. Ignoring this contextualist idea of “habitus” leads to an
exaggerated belief in agency. Although self-determination plays a
164 CAREER CHOICE AND DEVELOPMENT