Journal of Vocational Behavior 32, 37-48 (1988) A Test of Gottfredson’s Theory of Circumscription SUSAN HENDERSON, BERYL HESKETH, AND KEITH TUFFIN Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand This study examined Gottfredson’s (1981, Journal of Counseling Psychology, 28, 545-579) theory of circumscription, which predicts that gender will intluence occupational preferences from the age of 6 years and social background, the prestige level of preferences after 9 years. From 3% New Zealand children, aged 5-14 years, free choice occupational preferences were obtained, together with parental socioeconomic status (SES) and an ability measure. An occupational card sort was used to obtain forced choice occupational preferences. Results indicated strong sex-typed preferences from an earlier age than suggested by Gottfredson, with males demonstrating more rigid sex typing than females. Con- sistent with Gottfredson’s theory, social background only influenced preferences among respondents older than 9 years. However, the influence of ability on the socioeconomic status level of preferences was stronger than that of social back- ground among the older respondents. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for Gottfredson’s theory of circumscription. o ~88 Academic PESS, IDC. Many studies have shown that gender and socioeconomic status are important factors in career choice and development (Clarke, 1980; Hackett & Betz, 1983; Vellekoop, 1971). Until recently, however, little attention has been given to the mechanisms by which these intluences occur. Psychological theories have focused instead on factors such as ability, personality and interests (Holland, 1973), and self-concept (e.g., Super, 1957). Gottfredson’s (1981) theory of circumscription and compromise was the first major attempt to show how sex-role stereotypes and social class become part of the developing vocational self-concept. Gottfredson’s (1981) theory describes four stages which are organized around cognitive development and a changing self-concept. At each stage of development a new element is incorporated into the vocational self- concept, successively circumscribing the range of acceptable occupational alternatives. The first stage (Orientation to Size and Power) marks the progression from fantasy occupational preferences to adult-role-oriented preferences, a transition spanning Ages 3-5. This shift from preferences Please address correspondence, including requests for reprints, to Dr. B. Hesketh, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, PG Box 1, Kensington, N.S.W. 2033, Australia. 37 OOOl-8791/88 $3.00 Copyright 0 1988 by Academic Press, Inc. AU righls of reproduction in any form reserved.