Career-Related Parental Support for Vocational School Students in China

摘要

Career-related parental support plays an essential role in the process of promoting young people’s career development. Currently, research on career-related support from parents in China is still fairly limited; but at a time when the employment situation in China is changing rapidly, it is considered especially important to study this topic with reference to students attending Chinese vocational schools. This paper briefly summarizes some of the Western and Chinese research on career-related parental support, with a focus on identifying any differences between the two, as influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, or other factors. The literature was also examined for any longitudinal effects of career-related parental support on aspects of career development. Suggestions are provided for strategies to help promote this type of parental support in low socio-economic families where inappropriate expectations may prevail. Brief suggestions for future research and intervention are also provided.