The APU occupational interests guide and the sex discrimination act

Because the APU Guide is in separate forms for males and females, a controversy has arisen regarding its legal standing under the Sex Discrimination Act. This paper shows how separate forms are necessary to cope with the substantial differences between the sexes in their interests, and outlines the underlying methodological issues for interest measurement. The definition of discrimination given in the Act is discussed with respect to the structure of the Guide and its use in practice. Arguments are put forward to show that it is not discriminatory, nor does it foster or maintain anti feminist attitudes. From the experience of the controversy, some implications for guidance in general are drawn. The main conclusion is that guidance practitioners need to make the interpreters of the legislation aware of the complexities of vocational guidance before cases are brought and unfortunate precedents are established.