Challenges in women’s work trajectories: a systematic review of the contributions of career construction theory

Transformations in the world of work have made traditional career models insufficient, requiring more comprehensive approaches. For women, this reality adds to persistent gender inequalities. This systematic review examined how Career Construction Theory (CCT) has been used to understand women’s career trajectories. Seventeen studies, primarily qualitative and conducted in the Global South, employed CCT as a theoretical lens, narrative intervention, or via Career Adaptability. The findings highlight structural and economic barriers, indicating that CCT can be a powerful resource for promoting self-awareness and meaningful career construction in contexts of vulnerability.