Participation versus performance: managing (dis)ability, gender and cultural diversity in junior sport. Playing sport can benefit young people but by its nature is competitive. This project will examine how well, if at all, junior sports clubs manage a need to be successful alongside providing an inclusive environment welcoming people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Disability in rural Australia. In rural Australia 21.2 per cent of the population has a disability while in remote areas the number is 22.1 per cent yet rural disabled people are rarely heard in policy debates. This study, mapping the experiences of disabled people in non-metropolitan Australia is consequently of critical importance to government and disability advocacy groups.
Domestic Technology and the Management of Time. This project will make a significant contribution to temporary debates about time poverty and work-family balance. It proposes to analyse under-utilised data sources to investigate whether time pressure can be alleviated through the application of information and communications technology, such as personal computers, mobile phones and programmable domestic equipment. It is a widespread assumption that domestic technologies simply save time. This pr ....Domestic Technology and the Management of Time. This project will make a significant contribution to temporary debates about time poverty and work-family balance. It proposes to analyse under-utilised data sources to investigate whether time pressure can be alleviated through the application of information and communications technology, such as personal computers, mobile phones and programmable domestic equipment. It is a widespread assumption that domestic technologies simply save time. This project explores the extent to which technologies in the home instead facilitate 'time-shifting- or the re-scheduling of tasks in a way that may reduce feelings of time pressure and enhance the quality of leisure time.Read moreRead less
Creating Age Friendly Communities. The project aims to explore ways in which Australian communities can enhance the social belonging of their older citizens. The study addresses significant questions at the heart of age care: how to ensure that older people are able to remain active members of their communities, without feeling isolated as they age. The research will take place in an inner city community which is multi generational, economically and culturally diverse. The main expected outcome ....Creating Age Friendly Communities. The project aims to explore ways in which Australian communities can enhance the social belonging of their older citizens. The study addresses significant questions at the heart of age care: how to ensure that older people are able to remain active members of their communities, without feeling isolated as they age. The research will take place in an inner city community which is multi generational, economically and culturally diverse. The main expected outcome is the development of age friendly practices at community level. The project embodies concepts central to the mission of the Industry partner, St Ives Aged Care Services.Read moreRead less
Hopes and Aspirations of Australian Muslims. Promoting harmony and increasing security are critical national issues. This project will provide reliable information on the socio-political outlook of Australian Muslims - a growing community in Australia which has attracted extensive public scrutiny in recent years. By testing the hopes and aspirations of Australian Muslims, the findings of this project will (a) offer tangible guidelines for Commonwealth and state policy makers, (b) contribute to a ....Hopes and Aspirations of Australian Muslims. Promoting harmony and increasing security are critical national issues. This project will provide reliable information on the socio-political outlook of Australian Muslims - a growing community in Australia which has attracted extensive public scrutiny in recent years. By testing the hopes and aspirations of Australian Muslims, the findings of this project will (a) offer tangible guidelines for Commonwealth and state policy makers, (b) contribute to an informed public discourse on the place of Islam in Australia, and (c) enrich inter-faith and inter-cultural dialogue and social harmonyRead moreRead less
The Political Sociology of the Australian Jewish Community. This project will examine the internal dynamics of the Australian Jewish community, its institutional structure, and responses to internal and external pressures, including terrorism. The study will analyse the interaction of the Jewish community with the broader Australian society, including relations between the internalised norms of the community and the demands made by participation in a pluralist society. Primarily sociological a ....The Political Sociology of the Australian Jewish Community. This project will examine the internal dynamics of the Australian Jewish community, its institutional structure, and responses to internal and external pressures, including terrorism. The study will analyse the interaction of the Jewish community with the broader Australian society, including relations between the internalised norms of the community and the demands made by participation in a pluralist society. Primarily sociological and political in approach, the study will also explore previously unexamined archives. The project will develop an improved model for Jewish community leadership which may also be useful for other communities.Read moreRead less
Constructing regionally appropriate anti-racism strategies for Australia. Racism is an international social scourge, and Australia is not immune from its injurious effects. The experience of racism degrades senses of belonging and generates disaffection, leads to ill-health and restrictions of mobility, as well as other social and individual pathologies. Reducing racism will strengthen Australia's social fabric. This project tests the utility of anti-racism templates and does so in rural as well ....Constructing regionally appropriate anti-racism strategies for Australia. Racism is an international social scourge, and Australia is not immune from its injurious effects. The experience of racism degrades senses of belonging and generates disaffection, leads to ill-health and restrictions of mobility, as well as other social and individual pathologies. Reducing racism will strengthen Australia's social fabric. This project tests the utility of anti-racism templates and does so in rural as well as urban Australia. The templates will be usable by local authorities and NGOs in framing their anti-racism efforts.Read moreRead less
The challenge of managing cultural diversity in education: the case of Arab-Australian youth. This project investigates the challenges posed by cultural diversity in multicultural schools. It will focus specifically on students from Arabic-speaking background (ASB) attending secondary schools in the Northern and Western regions of Melbourne. The study will assess whether individual students' attitudes and the schools' structures and pedagogical ideology impact upon ASB students' achievements. ....The challenge of managing cultural diversity in education: the case of Arab-Australian youth. This project investigates the challenges posed by cultural diversity in multicultural schools. It will focus specifically on students from Arabic-speaking background (ASB) attending secondary schools in the Northern and Western regions of Melbourne. The study will assess whether individual students' attitudes and the schools' structures and pedagogical ideology impact upon ASB students' achievements. In using focus group discussions and attitudinal surveys, the study will also test the cultural appropriateness of such methodological procedures. The study's proposed multi-dimensional model will be tested in order to determine the optimal social environments and inter-ethnic relations needed to successfully fulfil the potential of multicultural education.Read moreRead less
Measuring and mapping the experience of racism in Australia. This is the first empirical assessment of the circumstances and frequency of the experience of racism in Australia. A telephone survey, 12000 respondents, and fieldwork in ten localities, are the major method. Spatial and social variations in the experience of racism will be analysed. Social construction theory will be tested as an explanation of such variations. Regional anti-racism packages will be developed and tested in the field. ....Measuring and mapping the experience of racism in Australia. This is the first empirical assessment of the circumstances and frequency of the experience of racism in Australia. A telephone survey, 12000 respondents, and fieldwork in ten localities, are the major method. Spatial and social variations in the experience of racism will be analysed. Social construction theory will be tested as an explanation of such variations. Regional anti-racism packages will be developed and tested in the field. Decision-support tools for local authorities and communities to combat racism will be provided. A unique racism database will underpin a scholarly monograph, doctoral dissertation and a series of refereed articles.Read moreRead less
Comparing racism in Australian and Canada. Surveys of racist attitudes in Australia and Canada present a unique opportunity for comparative analysis. This project will demonstrate the central influence of place and context to attitudes to and experiences of racism. International comparative assessments of racism are rare. Comparable key concepts will be agreed, e.g.: attitudes towards cultural diversity and national identity; extent and experience of racism; multicultural policies. Overall findi ....Comparing racism in Australian and Canada. Surveys of racist attitudes in Australia and Canada present a unique opportunity for comparative analysis. This project will demonstrate the central influence of place and context to attitudes to and experiences of racism. International comparative assessments of racism are rare. Comparable key concepts will be agreed, e.g.: attitudes towards cultural diversity and national identity; extent and experience of racism; multicultural policies. Overall findings and spatial variations will be compared, aiming at publication in international journals. It will strengthen a significant relationship between geographers in Sydney and Vancouver. International recognition of the Sydney-based research cluster on racism will be enhanced.Read moreRead less