Developing critical career theory: Exploring the conceptual underpinning of the Critical approaches to career and career guidance project

This position paper argues for the development of a coherent body of critical career theory that responds to contemporary crises of inequality, precarity, and ecological breakdown. It rejects individualising models and synthesises diverse traditions into practice principles that cultivate critical consciousness and connect guidance to collective, organisational and policy change. Situated amid precarity, platformisation, automation, ecological transition and widening inequality, the
argument defends bounded yet real agency. It also outlines our COST Action agenda to map theory, strengthen the evidence base and shift institutions. The outcome is a clearer field with a shared vocabulary and a practical plan for research, pedagogy and policy.