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Stronger Together: Loneliness and social connectedness in Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Alan S Duncan

    (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University)

  • Daniel Kiely

    (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin Business School)

  • Astghik Mavisakalyan

    (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University)

  • Austen Peters

    (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin University)

  • Richard Seymour

    (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin Business School)

  • Chris Twomey

    (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin University)

  • Loan Vu

    (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin Business School)

Abstract
This report, the eighth in the Focus on the States series, examines trends in social connectedness in Australia and assesses their implications for human wellbeing and development. Stronger Together: Loneliness and social connectedness in Australia explores the breadth and variety of people’s experiences through the COVID-19 pandemic and asks: what has the pandemic revealed about the state of Australia’s social capital, the connectedness of our communities, and our own sense of trust and belonging? Loneliness, social isolation and disconnection are known to impose health and economic costs, but which sections of our society are at greatest risk of loneliness or isolation? What drivers can mitigate loneliness, and build our sense of inclusion? Has technology and social media improved our sense of connectedness, or has it left some with greater feelings of separation or isolation? The findings from this report are intended to increase public understanding around key issues of loneliness and belonging, social inclusion and connectedness, and identifies actionable policies and strategies that can help strengthen Australia’s social fabric, enhance the personal development of children and young adults, improve personal and community wellbeing, and support people to achieving their goals, and reach their full potential.

Suggested Citation

  • Alan S Duncan & Daniel Kiely & Astghik Mavisakalyan & Austen Peters & Richard Seymour & Chris Twomey & Loan Vu, 2021. "Stronger Together: Loneliness and social connectedness in Australia," Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Report series FS08, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School.
    • Handle: RePEc:ozl:bcecrs:fs08
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://bcec.edu.au/assets/2021/11/139532_BCEC-Stronger-Together-report_WEB.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. María-Victoria Zunzunegui & Beatriz E. Alvarado & Teodoro Del Ser & Angel Otero, 2003. "Social Networks, Social Integration, and Social Engagement Determine Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Spanish Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 58(2), pages 93-100.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    multiculturalism; loneliness; social capital; social isolation; social connectivity; wellbeing; disadvantage; economic costs of loneliness; community resilience;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J17 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Value of Life; Foregone Income
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J17 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Value of Life; Foregone Income
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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