Linking long-term unemployment and the theory of disengagement : a preliminary investigation using Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force data

This paper's main aim is to develop a prima facie case supporting the application of the theory of disengagement to parts of the Australian labour force, such as the long-term unemployed as well as those persons with a marginal attachment to the Australian labour force (those not in the labour force but with a desire to work at some point in the future). The theory of disengagement was originally formulated in the 1960s and has been used mainly with the field of social gerontology. Although this theory has been the subject of some controversy, it is still seen as relevant today. In applying this theory to those groups mentioned above, the prima facie case will use logical argument as well as supporting analysis from publically available Australian labour force statistics. Furthermore, the approach taken has been to see whether the central concepts, postulates or issues of this theory are applicable rather than look at the comprehensive application of the whole theory. The paper concludes that this theory does have relevance to those groups mentioned above and that further research is necessary to strengthen the work already done. Through the application of disengagement theory it is also considered that new research efforts will emerge which will bring new insights into how people become unemployed and why they remain unemployed (often for long periods of time) or decide ultimately to drop out of the labour force altogether.