OCCUPATIONAL ASPIRATIONS OF BLACK SOUTH-AFRICAN ADOLESCENTS

The present study provides a description of the occupational aspiratio ns of 216 black high school students in a special program by the amoun t of training required (status) and Holland's 1973 typology as well as by gender, age, socioeconomic status, knowledge of self, and occupati onal knowledge. Analysis indicates that most adolescents aspire to Soc ial and Investigative occupations, and occupations with a high status. Most of this select sample displayed low self- and occupational knowl edge. Aspirations appear unrealistic in terms of trends within the lab or market, but might be more realistic with effective and relevant gui dance programs in schools.