Older Women's Career Development and Social Inclusion

Abstract

This paper considers women's career development and the potential contribution of career development theory, research, practice and policy in advancing a social inclusion agenda. In particular, the paper focuses on older women in the contexts of an ageing population, labour market shortages and Australia's social inclusion agenda. Supporting young people to move from school and into the workforce has been a major focus of policy and service provision in Australia and internationally but there is growing recognition in Australia and internationally that adults may also benefit from career development support; its lack of provision has been criticised. In the context of Australia's social inclusion agenda, older women, in particular, may benefit from career development.