The Role of Concept of Self and Societal Expectations in Academic and Career Achievement

Concepts of self-esteem and confidence are attributes that affect the power of self or identity of a person such as one’s ability to be successful in work. Many theorists have stated that the major variables that impact the self are an individual’s core sense of self (who one is) and the environment or social relationships that affect a person (external settings and social context). However, recent theorists point out that the self is also influenced by a changing environment that encourages self-evaluation since each individual must adapt to changes in order to succeed. Attributes of self-concept are interrelated and interdependent, and each individual must maintain a positive concept of self when making career decisions and choices.