In a chapter in the book entitled Contemporary Models in Vocational Psychology,

Savickas (2001) extended this argument by providing an historical comparison of career

psychology movements. He described the constructs generally included in

comprehensive theories as including assumptions regarding the nature of individual

differences, personal development, self-concept, and context or life roles. While each

theory approaches these aspects differently, all focus on them in some way (Savickas,

2001). Savickas then examined each theory to see if there were unifying themes that

cross theories. Upon reflection, he characterized career theory as divisible into four

levels of analysis including vocational personality types, career concerns or presenting

issues, narratives, and mechanisms of career development. In so doing, he encouraged

the viewing of narrative career counseling as an evolution of career theory rather than an

opposition or reaction to it (Savickas, 2001).

 Indeed, this notion of the evolution of career theory rather than a rej section of it is

at the heart of literature focused on history. It is important to note that the positivist

assumptions that supported traditional models of career counseling fit well into the

context of the economic reality in which they emerged. Many authors have commented

on the notion that career development models were products of their times and worked

well within that context. Other authors have contributed to the body of literature focused

on this process and it is important to review their contributions. While it is important to

examine these contributions, this literature review will revisit the contributions of Mark

Savickas throughout this review as his work has addressed many aspects of this literature.

 Zeitgeist and Its Impact on Career Theory

 Herr (2001 a) provided a timeline for contextualizing career development,

vocational guidance, and economic realities. By examining important social, cultural, and