Applying the Psychology of Working Theory for Transformative Career Education

New models of career education are needed to prepare young people for changes and challenges in the world of work. We propose that the psychology of working framework/theory (PWF/PWT) has the potential to shape career education in transformative ways that are attentive to shifting dimensions of the local context and the marginalization of large segments of the world population in seeking access to decent work. In this article, we present theory and research supporting the PWF/PWT and its application for career development intervention, with specific attention to the constructs of youth purpose and critical consciousness as important resources for coping with massive changes in the world of work and growing inequality. We provide examples of how this might be done, drawing from our current research-practice partnerships that are designing, delivering, and evaluating PWF-/PWT-informed career intervention.