Career development in this article is described as ever-changing
and in constant connection to the environment (and vice versa). Bloch (2005) eloquently lays out the
groundwork for defining career development in the section “Characteristics of Complex Adaptive Entity” (p. 196 – 198).
Although this theory of career development has philosophical
components, Bloch (2005) has brought the previous articles we have read in
class, as well as, the Brown (2012) text together to make a more holistic approach. This is an accomplishment because seemingly
opposing theories have connections that Bloch was able to bring together
(Bloch, 2005). For example, she mentions
the influence of the scientific method and Holland’s and Super’s influential
theories. Additionally, Jung is quoted
in the article. Even if synchronicity as
a term is not mentioned specifically it is certainly hinted at when Bloch
(2005) says all events in the universe are connected; in addition, to
explaining small changes can result in large effects (Guindon & Hanna, 2002). Moreover, Bloch (2005) explains that moving
from chaos to order is a time for progress which mirrors Savickas’ (1995)
constructivist theory on indecision.
Furthermore, point attractors, pendulum attractors, and torus attractors
are explored in the article as limitations, which are part of Pryor’s and Bright’s
(2005) postmodern theory (Bloch, 2005; Brown, 2012). What’s more, Bloch’s
(2005) last point ties in spirituality as the realization of an interconnected
world. Duffy’s (2006) article may have
been influenced by Bloch’s (2005) nod to spirituality; thus, expanding on
spirituality and religion as it connects to career development.
Overall, the article questions the westernized thinking
system by which career development theories have been modeled. The scientific method is based on orderliness,
but Bloch (2005) argues that to conceptualize of an entity in an interdependent
world in this fashion is at best, incomplete, and at worst, broken.
Lastly, I found the chaos theory complex and abstract. Nevertheless, it is a theory worth exploring because
our lives and environment are connected in an ever changing universe. Bloch
(2005) has brought the objective, subjective, and spiritual together. Her theory is all encompassing which is
attractive when trying to explain a multifaceted construct. Thus far, it is one of the more complete
theories to a holistic approach. Likewise,
the chaos theory attempts to explain what a majority of individuals’ experience
which is a nonlinear career path. In
turn this makes me believe that the chaos theory presented by Bloch (2005)
holds a more accurate representation of career development. The question I am left with is how do we take
this theory and apply it to practice with clients and students. I do not think the theory suggest that there
is no point in helping individuals in career development, rather, it is
about educating the population on orderliness and chaos as it connects to
career development.
Bloch, D. P. (2005). Complexity, chaos, and nonlinear
dynamics: A new perspective on career development theory. Career Development Quarterly, 53(3),
194-207.
Brown, D. (2012).
Career information, career counseling, and career development (10th
ed.). New York: Pearson Education, Inc
Duffy, R. D. (2006). Spirituality,
religion, and career development: Current status and future directions. The Career Development Quarterly, 55, 55-63.
Guindon, M. H. & Hanna, F. J. (2002) Coincidence, happenstance,
serendipity, fate, or the hand of God:
Case studies in synchronicity. The Career Development Quarterly, 50, 195-208.
Savickas, M. L. (1995).
Constructivist counseling for career indecision. The Career
Development Quarterly, 43(4), 363-373
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