When the concept of level of aspiration is applied to inner-city youths, the effects of past discriminatory practices on their perceptions can be seen. Research data regarding this concept were gathered through work in the Developmental Career Guidance Project. The instruments utilized were the Career Guidance Surveys. They were administered to students in grades kindergarten through 12 in 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968. Results to date suggest that lower-class children are considerably more realistic in their view of work and occupational concepts than they have been credited with. The authors say that the educational system may be reflective of the larger society, dedicated to the production of successful middle-class Caucasians at the expense of the lower-socio-economic Negroes. The lower socio-economic environment is seen as limiting the aspirations and perception levels of children. The school must be acutely aware of the environmental factors involved in the child's life. Although the interpretations, implications, and trends of the study do not lend themselves as yet to positive conclusions, they point to the desirability of more research in the areas of not only conceptions of occupation and aspiration, but also the role of education in the development of a complete and harmoniously functional society. (Author:IM)