Cultural and Parental Influences on the Career Development of Second-Generation Chinese Canadians
Abstract
This study explored cultural and parental influences on the career development of second-generation Chinese Canadians. A Systems Theory Framework of career development was used
to frame the study. Using a qualitative approach, 10 participants with postsecondary education
were individually interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed the pervasiveness of explicit
conversations and implicit messages from parents throughout the lifetime, beginning in
childhood. Cultural values and beliefs around work and career were often transmitted through the
family, with participants compromising between family pressures and personal goals. It was
difficult to separate parental values from personal values, with parental pressure shifting with
time and context. In addition, the unique influences of sibling and peers were revealed.
Participants expressed desire for more parental support and encouragement as well as other
specific areas of support. Study limitations and implications for career counselling and
educational institution settings are discussed, as well as future research directions.
Description
Keywords
Educational Psychology, Education--Vocational
Citation
Lei, D. (2016). Cultural and Parental Influences on the Career Development of Second-Generation Chinese Canadians (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/25501