Expanding the Life-Span, Life-Space Approach using Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality

Authors

Andrea N. Hunt, University of North AlabamaFollow
Tammy D. Rhodes, University of North AlabamaFollow

Abstract

Super’s (1980, 1996) life-span, life-space approach of career development has had a major influence on the field of career counseling by shifting the focus beyond a ‘singular point of entry’ into to careers to one multiple transition points and trajectories. While Super’s body of theoretical and empirical contributions to the field of career development are vast, the theory does not adequately address the experiences of Black youth. This article focuses on both theory and praxis by discussing the life-span, life-space approach in the context of career development of Black youth. We describe how critical race theory and intersectionality can be used as key organizing principles in an expanded framework along with Super’s life-span, life-space approach to guide practices in college and career counseling. We end with a discussion of the implications for practice.

Recommended Citation

Hunt, Andrea N. and Rhodes, Tammy D. (2021) "Expanding the Life-Span, Life-Space Approach using Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality," Journal of College Access: Vol. 6: Iss. 3, Article 8.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jca/vol6/iss3/8