The book offers a global perspective on social and emotional learning skills (SEL) by summarizing findings from a collaborative multi-national and cross-cultural study of educator perceptions regarding the nature and value of SEL skills conducted by career development researchers from 19 countries. In addition to promoting success in education, SEL skills serve as the “durable,” human skills that support success in the world of work. 

The chapters explore research from three key regions: the Global South, Asia, and the Global North. Alongside comparative analyses of SEL, the book highlights strategies for designing culturally responsive interventions to develop SEL and future-readiness skills. Each region provides tailored recommendations for implementing SEL and career development programs and services.

This collaborative research effort offers a unique opportunity to reexamine assumptions underpinning career development theory and practice. It presents a transformative research model that conceptualizes SEL skills policies and practices that are responsive to the diverse sociopolitical contexts and cultural values found in different regions around the world.