Women's limited vision of their potential scope of influence, of arenas appropriate for their work, and of their social responsibility hampers their performance of professional work. Feelings of social contribution and potential efficacy comprise a basic need to feel uniquely important to humanity. This notion of self-esteem is inherent in the particular social, historical, and ideological conditions which have constricted women's realm of perceived influence and responsibility. Although women are asked to predicate their work on its benefits to others, their perceived realm of influence and responsibility has been, in general, narrowly circumscribed to husband and family. If women's self-esteem is based on a limited vision of influence, career choices, and social responsibility, then women will continue to choose occupations and perform tasks that are not very professionalized. (Author/JAC)