Professional self-determination of schoolchildren: sociological approach

The article examines sociological approaches to the concept of professional self-determination of schoolchildren. Soviet sociologists have conducted a lot of research in this direction. Of particular interest to scientists was the correlation of personal choices of schoolchildren and the needs of society in various professions. The representatives of two sociological schools, the Novosibirsk and the Baltic ones, made a significant contribution to this concept. Over the past 20 years, researchers have considered the following social factors that determine the direction of an individual's professional development: a) socio-economic status (SES); b) the influence of the significant environment; c) the image and status of the profession in society, etc. The presence of numerous fragmentary models of professional self-determination indicates the complexity of the career development process. Empirical research on combining explanations of professional self-determination and development, for example by testing competing theoretical constructs designed to explain common outcomes, is useful.