Critical Issues in Career Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper presents a brief review of several key differences of opinion concerning purposes and conceptualizations of career education. A major difference of opinion exists concerning the emphasis of career education--economic man or total man. Differing points of view are also expressed in answer to the question, "Is career education all of education or is it only part of education?" Some people regard career education as a new title for vocational-technical education; others stress the importance of career education for all people at all educational levels from early childhood through adulthood. If these basic differences in the value systems of the various conceptualizers are not resolved, career education's potential for vitalizing and refocusing education could be lost. A both/and attitude rather than an either/or attitude is suggested. What is needed is a way of describing human growth and development in which "all dimensions of life are focused upon... as interrelated parts of the whole person." (Author/AG)