New age roles

This paper suggests that changes in society, particularly Western nations, require us to look at male and female development and youth preparation for future roles from a systems perspective. As indicators of need to use different methods of career guidance, the author cites 1) the narrow range of possibilities from which girls and boys choose; 2) the gap between perceptions and reality; 3) the pervasiveness of sex-role stereotyping and its limiting effects; 4) the growing linkage between work and family roles; and 5) the lack of communication between the sexes about future roles and goals. She suggests that the reality of social change, difficult though it is for some to accept, requires us to more adequately prepare youth for the exponential change which is occurring around the world. She analyzes some of the changes which have occurred and discusses possible consequences for individuals, work, and family.Invited paper prepared for the International Round Table for the Advancement of Counselling, University of Lausanne, Switzerland, September 5–9, 1982.