TPC-Journal-V4-Issue4

The Professional Counselor \Volume 4, Issue 4 301 Appendix Career Development Challenges Faced by Marginalized Populations Theme: Systemic—General Generalized challenges - Systematic discrimination and stereotyping occur in terms of issues such as (but not limited to) education, training, hiring, promotion and compensation, some of which are more pronounced in certain career fields and/or geographic areas. - Marginalized populations experience lack of, and barriers to, support and access for completing educational goals, obtaining quality healthcare and achieving career goals. - Economic challenges, including meeting one’s basic needs, are exacerbated by systemic discrimination and the growing gap between haves and have-nots . Challenges specific to the economic crisis - Traditionally marginalized populations tend to be employed in situations with poor job security, pay and benefits; be at higher risk for layoffs; and have insufficient supports to deal effectively with losing work. - Amplified discriminatory hiring, promotion and compensation practices may occur due to scarce resources and increased competitiveness in the job market. - Public funding and policy do not effectively address the career development problems that traditionally marginalized populations are facing in this current economic climate. - Overall, the economic crisis has further limited access to education and employment for traditionally marginalized populations, increased the gap between the haves and have-nots , and increased the number of people experiencing economic hardship. Theme: Systemic—Population-Specific Generalized challenges - Women face sexism and workplace patriarchy in regard to pay, promotion, family decisions, relational approaches to working and challenges related to other intersecting identities (e.g., race, sexual orientation). - LGBTQ populations experience geographic discrimination, consider when to “come out” and navigate hostile work environments. - Latina/o adolescents and young adults experience educational inequity, barriers to accessing higher education (particularly for undocumented individuals) and fewer career development opportunities in general. - Immigrant refugees face language proficiency challenges, lack of professional networks and inadequate career development support. - Low-income, first-generation college students lack access to financial resources, professional networks, mentors and an understanding of available career development resources; additionally, these students may receive poor financial aid counseling and subsequently enter into unnecessary debt. - International students often face foreign cultural norms, pressure from family and potential employers’ insufficient knowledge about their employability. - Individuals with disabilities, particularly hidden disabilities such as mental illness, may encounter problems related to discrimination, disclosing their conditions and articulating strengths. - Individuals from a low-socioeconomic status background may face significant challenges including a lack of housing, childcare, financial security and adequate educational preparation. - College students of nontraditional ages face discrimination, particularly when there are gaps in employment or significant career field changes involved. Challenges specific to the economic crisis - Immigrants face increased difficulties in finding work, particularly in places where immigrant employment legislation has been reenforced or newly created during the economic crisis. - Due to increased competitiveness, there is increased discrimination for people of color, older workers, those with nontraditional sexual identities, and those with disabilities.