Blog 6

I would really like to take time to discuss my article. Even though it was written in 2009, my article has much relevance to what people and society is facing today. The article I chose applied Krumboltz’s Social Learning Theory to the LGBTQ community. The first step of understanding the social learning theory is being able to identify and understand the four factors that Krumboltz’s identifies as factors that influence career decision making. The first factor is genetic endowment and special abilities. Krumboltz’s states that make an individual must look at abilities that one has inherited or an ability that one lacks. Being aware of want you can and cannot do is important when picking a career. Many say that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Which is a great positive view on things, however, my example in my discussion post was that I am 4’9”. There is no way I will be playing professional basketball.

The second factor in the social learning theory is environmental conditions and events. These influences can be a variety of things. Environmental conditions can range from the weather and storms in the area you live in, as well as what types of jobs and training opportunities an individual has in the area they live in. Many of the environmental conditions and events contribute to the career decision process. The third factor is learning experiences which simply states that that all learning done can attribute to the individual's career decision making process. The fourth and final factor is task approach skills and these are the skills that people can bring to problems or new ideas.

Datti looked at these four factors and how they related to the LGBTQ community. The first factor which is genetic endowment and special abilities was discuss as many gay many have feminine qualities that in a positive way allows them to connect with jobs that are usually specified to a specific gender. I mentioned this in my first post and Caitlynn spoke that this was adding to a stereotype, which I completely agree. The article goes on to state that these qualities can help in these areas, however, that does not mean that all gay men have feminine qualities, or that lesbian have more manly qualities. The next factor, however, to me, is the most important. The factor of environmental conditions and events. The article discussed how the LGBTQ community is not as visible in the mid-west. This could cause an inner conflict for an individual wanting to be who they are as a person, which contributes positively to finding a career verses hiding their true selves, which makes it difficult to find a clear career path.

The third factor, learning experience, can have a large influence on career development. If a lesbian wants to become a gym teacher, however, she hears that all woman gym teachers are lesbians, the individual might stay away from that field, even if it is her passion. The article mentions the event of coming out as well. That can be either and positive or negative learning experience that can influence their career making decisions. The fourth and final factor, task approach skills. The article discusses that a gay or lesbian individual might be shy and quiet due to the experiences they have had in the past about being judged by their sexual orientation, this shyness could be transferred over to the work place, which would influence their career.

This article did not have a case study, however, it applied Krumboltz’s Social Learning Theory to people who will become our future clients. As a counselor this article makes us aware of these clients and that we must be empathetic and sensitive to their experiences that could potentially influence their career decision making.

Brown, D. (2012). Career information, career counseling, and career development (10th ed.). New York: Pearson.

Datti, P. (2009). Applying social learning theory of career decision making to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young adults. The Career Development Quarterly, 58, 54-64.