An interplay of self-efficacy in pursuit of a tertiary qualification: A case study of a black male

This case study explores the perceptions of a middle-aged, previously disadvantaged South African male regarding his pursuit of a higher education qualification. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. A narrative inquiry, utilizing a semi-structured interview schedule was used to interview the participant. The themes that emerged centred on external and internal barriers that the participant perceived to impact on his pursuit of a higher education qualification. The career counselling intervention based on the Social Cognitive Career Theory as a form of a postmodern theoretical intervention appears to have been helpful to this participant.