Psychology

Career Projects of Young Chinese Migrant Women Workers

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In recent decades, millions of Chinese women workers have migrated from their remote villages to the industrial factories in the modern cities, but little is known about their career development. The present study aimed to examine the diverse work experiences of young Chinese migrant women workers from the perspective of the Trajectory Equifinality Approach and the Chaos Theory of Careers. The semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with thirty-two Chinese women workers. We used thematic and ideal type analysis to analyze the interview data, and identified four distinct typologies based on the personal projects women workers were pursuing: Mothers, Family-Centered, Active Learners, and Money-Only. The findings deepen our understanding of the nuanced career experiences and dynamic interplay of the developmental tasks during emerging adulthood. By acknowledging the multiple career trajectories and integration between career and other life domains, the Trajectory Equifinality Approach and the Chaos Theory of Careers could inform policy makers to tailor the interventions that address the specific challenges faced by Chinese migrant women workers within broader socio-cultural contexts. © 2025 Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood and SAGE Publishing

Publication Title

Emerging Adulthood

Publication Date

2-2026

Volume

14

Issue

1

ISSN

2167-6968

DOI

10.1177/21676968251394765

Keywords

career development, chaos theory of careers, Chinese migrant women workers, ideal type analysis, personal projects, trajectory equifinality approach

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