Theoretical Approaches from the Study of Work, Employment, and Unemployment

Abstract

In this chapter I discuss theoretical ideas that have emerged from the study of the psychological impact of unemployment both from the 1930s and from the more recent literature. As will become evident, some of these approaches are not restricted to the conceptual analysis of unemployment effects; they also develop theoretical ideas about the nature and functions of work and employment. In the next chapter I will consider theoretical approaches that are more general in their focus but that are also useful for understanding aspects of the unemployment experience. The two chapters therefore differ in the scope of the theories to be discussed. This chapter looks at theories that have emerged from the study of work, employment, and unemployment and that have particular relevance to the analysis of adjustment and psychological well-being. The next chapter extends the discussion by considering other approaches that have a wider application beyond the employment/unemployment area but that are also relevant for research into unemployment effects.