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Introduction
Australia, like many industrialized nations around the world, aspires to be egalitarian. This goal is yet to be achieved in view of the fact that disparities in terms of race, gender, age, and religion still persist in the country. According to Steckermeier and Delhey (2019), the resultant inegalitarian conditions heighten feelings of inferiority and personal blame for poverty. Even though Australia has implemented social inclusion strategies to ensure that members of its society have access to opportunities, inequality and discrimination are still pervasive.
Egalitarian Australia
A significant portion of Australia’s population routinely experiences numerous forms of discrimination. Cultural minorities and women are denied access to leadership opportunities, while people with disabilities and discriminated against by employers (Faulkner et al., 2021). The LGBTQ+ community suffers a disproportionately higher level of depression compared to the general population as a result of discrimination and exclusion (Faulkner et al., 2021). Chesters (2018) also demonstrates that there is a persistent link between an individual’s social origins and academic attainment in Australia. The inequality experienced in the education system and the prevalence of disadvantages associated with family backgrounds negate the egalitarian assumption that all children in Australia access a similar quality of education. The education system is a vehicle for the generation of the social mobility required to alleviate the effects of origin by facilitating equal access to resources and opportunities. This is however not the case in the Australian context, given the wealth gap seen in society.
Data indicates that Australia has particularly high levels of wealth inequality. The Australian Bureau of Statistics demonstrated that in 2013 and 2014 the share of aggregate wealth owned by the poorest households was 0.9%, while that held by the richest ones was 62.1% (Chesters, 2018). The P90/10 ratio, which is another indicator of wealth, demonstrated that households in the 90th percentile held 52 times more wealth than those in the 10th percentile in the same period (Chesters, 2018). The findings demonstrate that wealth is skewed towards the top, which is a marker of inequality.
Access to employment and equal opportunities is an indicator of a society’s egalitarian status. Faulkner et al. (2021) note that 52.1% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experienced a form of serious discrimination in 2019, which is a significant increase from the 28.6% recorded the previous year. Young people were also discriminated against, with reports indicating that there was an increase from 44.5% in 2019 to 56.8% in 2020 (Faulkner et al., 2021). Faulkner et al. (2021) further highlight the fact that 19.8% of Australians experienced a form of discrimination in the past two years. It is evident that there is a need to address the inequality that threatens to destabilize society and deny essential rights to citizens.
Social Inclusion
Social inclusion is a multifaceted concept that prioritizes the improvement of the terms on which people engage in societal activities. The degree of social inclusion in a society can be evaluated by assessing the prevalence of the sense of belonging and well-being, the degree of prejudicial attitudes, and exposure to discrimination (Faulkner et al., 2021). The analysis of the quality of contact with individuals from minority groups and the willingness of society to advocate for social inclusion are additional indicators to consider (Faulkner et al., 2021). The findings from the assessment of the aforementioned parameters are essential for the formulation of interventions designed to enhance social inclusion.
Social Equity Measures in Australia
The Australian government has instituted a variety of measures to enhance social equity. In a bid to fast-track improvements in life outcomes, the government has partnered with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by signing agreements that outline priorities and goals that must be achieved in defined periods (Australian Government, 2020). The government has pioneered projects such as the Equine Spirit Healing Course in Moruya, which is designed to help at-risk girls enhance their life skills through interactions with horses to support households, youth and children. (Australian Government, 2020). Access to education has been prioritized through initiatives such as the Wayagiba Bush Hub located in South-East Arnhem Land, where aboriginal children are provided with the resources required to access higher education opportunities (Australian Government, 2020). The focus on economic empowerment has been driven by projects such as the Meekatharra Industry Group in Western Australia, which is creating local employment opportunities to facilitate the economic empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in remote locations (Australian Government, 2020). The government is focused on ensuring that social equity is prioritized within its territories.
Conclusion
Despite its status as an industrialized nation and the implementation of social inclusion measures, the prevalence of discrimination and inequality undermines Australia’s position as an egalitarian society. There is a need to address the challenges that Australians face with regard to education and wealth distribution. The Australian government implemented measures to ensure that social equity is maintained in all the nation’s territories. Whether or not the interventions will transform the people remains to be seen.
References
Australian Government. (2020). The Annual Report to Parliament on progress in closing the Gap: Report 2020. Web.
Chesters, J. (2018). Egalitarian Australia? Associations between family wealth and outcomes in young adulthood. Journal of Sociology, 55(1), 72–89. Web.
Faulkner, N., Borg, K., Zhao, K., & Smith, L. (2021). The Inclusive Australia Social Inclusion Index: 2021 Report. Web.
Steckermeier, L. C., & Delhey, J. (2019). Better for everyone? Egalitarian culture and social well-being in Europe. Social Indicators Research, 143(3), 1075–1108. Web.
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