A Mid-Career Perspective on the Opportunity-Structure/Occupational-Choice Debate

Research into mid-career change lends support to K. Roberts' thesis on the significance of the opportunity structure for initial entry to work and during the early working years. Whether objective or 'socially constructed', it was perceived as a determinant by men who were ensuring that their children should not be constrained as they had been. The study also offers evidence of the subsequent strengthening and implementation of the self-concept and of a consequent change in the significance of the opportunity structure. The conclusions, highlighted in a case-history, tend to support all parties to the opportunity-structure/occupational-choice debate so far. They suggest that in today's turbulent environment there is an urgent need for careers information, guidance and counselling throughout working life.