Final answer:
The term that best describes a job or series of jobs someone does in their working life is a career. This term refers to the total span of jobs held within a certain field and can involve progression and growth over time. Occupational prestige suggests that different jobs and careers are not equally valued in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best describes a job or series of jobs someone does in their working life, often in one professional area, is a) Career. A career typically encompasses the total span of jobs held in one's lifetime within a certain field and can involve progression and growth over time. Unlike single jobs or positions, a career path includes the experience and movement through different roles and responsibilities and may require varying levels of education and training.
Occupational prestige highlights that jobs are b) not equally valued, suggesting there is a societal ranking of professions based on various factors, such as education required, earning potential, and perceived societal importance. For instance, professions in the health field are growing and often require significant education, thus these tend to be more lucrative and respected. Conversely, jobs in some service sectors might offer less wage potential and might not carry the same level of prestige. Personal choice plays a significant role in selecting a career path; however, societal models and family influence can also guide a person toward certain careers. Still, in a class system, occupations are not fixed at birth, allowing for mobility based on individual endeavors and preferences.