What does the width of a band in Super's career rainbow represent?

The width of a band in Super's career rainbow represents salience. In Super's theory of career development, the rainbow is a visual metaphor that illustrates the various roles individuals play in life (such as worker, student, citizen, etc.) over time. Each band within the rainbow signifies different roles, and the width of the band indicates how significant or important that particular role is to the individual at a given time.

When a band is wider, it signifies a higher salience, meaning that specific role is more prominent and central to the person's identity and life at that moment. Conversely, narrower bands reflect lower salience, showing that those roles may not be as crucial to the person’s current life situation. This concept emphasizes that individuals can prioritize different aspects of their lives at different stages, demonstrating the dynamic nature of career development and personal identity.