CAREER PROSPECTS FOR ACADEMICS IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS OF AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb009869 |
| Date | 01 January 1983 |
| Pages | 69-78 |
| Published date | 01 January 1983 |
| Author | RAY OVER |
| Subject Matter | Education |
THE JOURNAL
OF
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
VOLUME
XXI,
NUMBER
1
WINTER, 1983
CAREER PROSPECTS FOR ACADEMICS IN THE
EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS OF AUSTRALIAN
UNIVERSITIES
RAY OVER
This article analyzes the sex ratio, national origin, age distribution, and levels of
qualification of academics in the education departments of Australian universities.
The limited turnover in university positions that can be expected in the 1980s and
1990s will adversely affect the career prospects of recent and future graduates in
education. The present underrepresentation of women in university appointments
seems likely to be perpetuated. The many academics recruited by education
departments in the 1960s and 1970s were mostly relatively young men. As the age
distribution of academics shifts, the Australian education departments may be faced
with problems of obsolescence and rigidity.
INTRODUCTION
The Australian university system experienced unprecedented expansion
in the 1960s and early 1970s. In contrast, the next two decades will be a
period without much growth.1 The number of universities in Australia
increased from nine in 1956, to 13 by 1966, to 19 by 1976, while
enrolments rose from 34,406 in 1956, to 91,291 in 1966, to 153,465 in
1977.
The full-time teaching staff in Australian universities increased from
2,295 in 1956 to 7,275 in 1966, to 13,204 in 1976.2 Although
enrolments rose by 6 per cent in total (162,484) between 1976 and 1980,
there was an increase of only 3 per cent in staffing (11,782). The number
of positions in fact decreased by 1 per cent between 1978 and 1980.3
There seems little prospect that the Australian university system will
expand in the 1980's or, over an even more extended interval.4
Universities in North America and Europe have similarly entered what will
be a prolonged period without growth.5
The career prospects of many academics will be adversely affected by
the sudden end to university expansion. Since the majority of academics
appointed during the period of marked growth were relatively young,
limited turnover in positions will occur within the next 20 years. Recent
and future graduates will have reduced opportunities to enter the
academic profession. The demand for academics has dropped at a time
when more women than in the past have become qualified for
appointment. The present domination of university teaching by men thus
RAY OVER is Professor of Psychology at La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
3083.
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