Abstract: Gottfredon (1981, 1996, 2002) proposed a theory of career aspiration in which she delineated a framework on the development of career aspirations through processes of circumscription and compromise. A key component of Gottfredson’s theory is a developmental framework describing how individual career aspirations are influenced by considerations related to sex-type, prestige, and occupational field. This article summarizes Gottfredson’s theory as well as relevant research findings related to this theory. Also, implications to career counseling in schools are examined

Key words: career aspiration, zone of acceptable alternatives, circumscription, compromise