ORCID Profile
0000-0002-1172-4667
Current Organisations
University of Virginia
,
Charles Sturt University
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Common Ground Research Networks
Date: 2017
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 26-07-2017
Abstract: Contemporary sociological research indicates rural men face increasing pressure to comply with hegemonic masculine gender norms. Adopting Butler’s poststructural theory of gender performativity, this study presents findings from qualitative interviews with twenty-five self-identified male Goths living in rural Australia, revealing how participants enacted masculinity and how rurality shaped gender performance. Despite participants’ believing their Goth identity transcended geographic location, Goth self-expression of counternormative masculinity was met with societal pressure. Rural Australian communities were presented as strongly upholding normative, traditional gender expectations as most participants experienced adverse responses, namely, homophobic hostility, employment discrimination, bullying, and/or physical assault, which necessitated modification of gender performance for in idual safety and well-being. Participants largely attributed negative reactions to rural communities’ “closed-mindedness” in contrast with the “open-mindedness” they experienced in urban communities. Overall, participants believed urban communities in Australia and beyond displayed greater acceptance of erse gender performances than rural Australia.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-05-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 25-10-2021
Abstract: Climate and land use change pose global challenges to water policy and management. This article furthers calls for integrated research conceptualizing water management as a holistic, interdependent system that may benefit from sociological research. To better understand how socioenvironmental change affects lifestyle expectations and experiences, interviews with in-migrants (relocated to inland Australia from metropolitan cities), industry and government informants are thematically analyzed. Results show in-migrants engage in adaptive water management and conservation strategies to enhance water security, yet call for council provision of water management education to minimize vulnerability. Industry informants perceive few water supply or pollution issues, favoring technological solutions to support unfettered growth and water amenities, while de-prioritizing environmental sustainability goals. Government priorities reflect drought narratives in Australian water policy reform and show concern about meeting consumer water supply and preserving water quality. With predictions of greater weather severity, including flooding, and in-migrants’ difficulty managing heavy rainfall, national legislation and policy modifications are necessary. Specifically, normalizing climate variability in policy and social identities is desirable. Finally, practices prioritizing water scarcity and trading management over environmental protection indicate a need to surpass environmental commodification by depoliticizing water management.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2011
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Date: 2011
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-2005
Abstract: Analysis of a random s le of New York Times’ advertising business news articles reveals change in the perception and pursuit of sexual minorities - gays, lesbians, bisexuals and trans-persons (GLBTs) - as consumers of mainstream products between 1980 and 2000. Critical analysis identified three trends: corporate shunning corporate curiosity and fear corporate pursuit. Social representation, cultural norms, stereotypes and visibility were explored for each trend, revealing qualitative and quantitative inequality among social groups. Although all GLBTs experienced increased news coverage, gay men received twice the coverage of lesbians. Advertisers and the Times changed from stigmatizing and avoiding homosexuals to promoting stereotypes of gay affluence, creating ‘controversial’ ad c aigns with ‘shock value’, commodifying social identity and establishing a gay market niche. Representations reflect homogenized understandings of sexuality, with bisexuals and trans-persons invisible. Case studies demonstrate the Times’ contribution to norms, values and beliefs characterizing GLBTs, supporting research characterizing the media an active agent shaping cultural production of sexuality. Visibility is argued not to have granted social legitimation but to evidence social change in the status of homosexuality from deviant/stigmatized to selectively commodified and spectacularized.
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-213-8.CH018
Abstract: Changes in the availability and quality of communication technology have revolutionized, and fundamentally altered, learning environments. As citizens of the “Information Age,” the breadth and impact of global communication are triggering unprecedented transformation of social structures and institutions. This chapter explores the impact of commodification on education when institutions of higher education sell knowledge as a commercial good. The contemporary phenomenon of distance education is increasingly offered and purchased by an international market which experiences heightened pressure for standardization from the global citizens it serves. It is argued here that technological changes necessitate reevaluation of communication processes, discursive practices, and organizational policies. To stay competitive and produce quality products for increasingly international audiences, institutions must create well-articulated policies. By providing insight on the impact multiple socio-cultural and communicative norms have on virtual communication, this research uses qualitative discursive analysis of case ex les to examine how variance in the structure and delivery of virtual communication environments at a leading distance education university in Australia affects student satisfaction, perception, and learning outcomes. Whereas previous research fails to include a theoretical or conceptual framework, this work draws upon interdisciplinary work from the fields of sociology, education, and science and technology studies. How “cyberspace” changes interaction rituals, masks cultural norms, and alters entrenched social expectations by creating new sensitivities is discussed, along with the ramifications of variation in technological availability, competence, and expectations in global classrooms. In sum, ideas for informing change in policy, administration, and the delivery of distance education and virtual communication in global environments are discussed to equip leaders and participants with skills to foster effective communicative and interaction strategies.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-09-2017
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 27-08-2013
Abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread, ongoing, and complex global social problem, whose victims continue to be largely women. Women often prefer to rely on friends and family for IPV help, yet when informal support is unavailable they remain hesitant to contact formal services, particularly legal support for many reasons. This study applies a sociological lens by framing the IPV and legal help-seeking experiences of rural Australian women gained from 36 in-depth face-to-face interviews as socially contextualized interactions. Findings reveal police and court responses reflect broader social inequalities and rurality exacerbates concerns such as anonymity and lack of service. Cultural differences and power imbalances between survivors and formal support providers are manifested to inform future research seeking to improve survivors’ willingness to engage and satisfaction with formal services. Finally, the important role police and the criminal justice system play in de-stigmatizing IPV and legitimating its unacceptability is argued a crucial, yet unrecognized, key to social change.
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 25-03-2014
DOI: 10.2166/WH.2014.212
Abstract: Agricultural runoff into surface water is a problem in Australia, as it is in arguably all agriculturally active countries. While farm practices and resource management measures are employed to reduce downstream effects, they are often either technically insufficient or practically unsustainable. Therefore, consumers may still be exposed to agrichemicals whenever they turn on the tap. For rural residents surrounded by agriculture, the link between agriculture and water quality is easy to make and thus informed decisions about water consumption are possible. Urban residents, however, are removed from agricultural activity and indeed drinking water sources. Urban and rural residents were interviewed to identify perceptions of agriculture's impact on drinking water. Rural residents thought agriculture could impact their water quality and, in many cases, actively avoided it, often preferring tank to surface water sources. Urban residents generally did not perceive agriculture to pose health risks to their drinking water. Although there are more agricultural contaminants recognised in the latest Australian Drinking Water Guidelines than previously, we argue this is insufficient to enhance consumer protection. Health authorities may better serve the public by improving their proactivity and providing communities and water utilities with the capacity to effectively monitor and address agricultural runoff.
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-026-4.CH559
Abstract: Sociology is well-known for analyzing institutions and social change (Holmes, Hughes, & Julian, 2007). Yet, a dearth of sociological research explores technology and distance education (DE) despite imperatives to include cultural issues (Jorgensen, 2002 Lum, 2006). Meta-analysis shows social studies scholars fail to prioritize technological research (Marri, 2007). Sociologists have examined Webbased instruction and anxiety levels (Gundy, Morton, Liu, & Kline, 2006), flaming (Lee, 2005) and the relationship between learning environment, pedagogy, social roles, relations (Jaffee, 2003) and unintended benefits of traditional classrooms using DE (Edwards, Cordray, & Dorbolo, 2000). This qualitative exploratory research looks at asynchronous forum (AF) and DE student experiences in Australia. Using social constructivism, learning is seen as praxis, or doing (Vygotsky, 1986) in contrast with ancient traditionalists’ tabula rasa/“blank slate” understanding of learners waiting to be filled with knowledge (Palloff & Pratt, 2001). Case studies show how culture and learning environments affect virtual communication (VC) when all communication, student-teacher and student-student, is technologically mediated. Experiences from four 2005-2006 cohorts show social structure affects student perceptions’ of learning, satisfaction and agency.
Publisher: EJournal Publishing
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-02-2014
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-02-2016
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-4979-8.CH061
Abstract: This chapter uses findings from an online survey of international onshore undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in an Australian university in 2009 to critically examine and compare their expectations, experiences, and levels of satisfaction. This research yielded a plethora of unique and vital concerns that were further affected by variables such as students’ age and geographic location in regional/rural versus metropolitan areas. Moreover, the results of this study, in turn, can offer educators important initial insights they can then use to develop online educational materials or online courses for such internationally erse groups of students. This chapter argues the gap between expectations and experiences requires further attention if the delivery of academic excellence to students from ergent cultural backgrounds, with different language skills and varying social norms is to be achieved within an environment that supports and reflects cultural ersity. The chapter also provides suggestions on how such factors can and should be addressed when devising online educational materials and environments for such students. The general trend towards freely circulating capital, goods and services, coupled with changes in the openness of labour markets, has translated into growing demands for an international dimension of education and training. Indeed, as world economies become increasingly inter-connected, international skills have grown in importance for operating on a global scale. Globally oriented firms seek internationally-competent workers versed in foreign languages and having mastered basic inter-cultural skills to successfully interact with international partners. Governments as well as in iduals are looking to higher education to play a role in broadening students’ horizons and allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the world’s languages, cultures and business methods. One way for students to expand their knowledge of other societies and languages, and hence leverage their labour market prospects, is to study in tertiary educational institutions in countries other than their own. Several OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] governments – especially in countries of the European Union (EU) – have set up schemes and policies to promote mobility as a means of fostering intercultural contacts and building social networks for the future. (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2009, p. 310)
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-833-0.CH022
Abstract: The general trend towards freely circulating capital, goods and services, coupled with changes in the openness of labour markets, has translated into growing demands for an international dimension of education and training. Indeed, as world economies become increasingly inter-connected, international skills have grown in importance for operating on a global scale. Globally oriented firms seek internationally-competent workers versed in foreign languages and having mastered basic inter-cultural skills to successfully interact with international partners. Governments as well as in iduals are looking to higher education to play a role in broadening students’ horizons and allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the world’s languages, cultures and business methods. One way for students to expand their knowledge of other societies and languages, and hence leverage their labour market prospects, is to study in tertiary educational institutions in countries other than their own. Several OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] governments – especially in countries of the European Union (EU) – have set up schemes and policies to promote mobility as a means of fostering intercultural contacts and building social networks for the future. (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2009, p. 310)
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1051/E3SCONF/202124103002
Abstract: Contextualised in public health and environmental literacy frameworks, this interdisciplinary research applies the epidemiological concept ‘infoveillance’ to show how major pollution events can be mitigated by better use of information communication technologies (ICTs). Findings from statistical analysis of Google Trends™ data during a major Australian air pollution event (2019–2020 Summer bushfires) are presented to compare community environmental and health concerns, as manifested by Google searches, in three affected states. Internet searches related to air purifiers, air quality, and P2 face masks increased as the measured air quality decreased. The commonality of internet search activity found across states, in response to pollution emergencies, presents a valuable, yet underutilised, information source for disaster management and response by health authorities and businesses. Significant correlations between the public’s keyword searches and pollution risk suggest Google Trends™ are an underutilised ICT for identifying public health literacy, needs, and emergency response. The 2019-2020 bushfire infoveillance analysis suggests earlier intervention/awareness of predictable community response to risk-management may mitigate insufficient supply of personal protective equipment (i.e., air purifiers) and alert authorities of illiteracies requiring immediate, urgent ramification to reduce public health risk and improve emergency response, including for vulnerable populations.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2012
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-874-1.CH001
Abstract: Epistemology is the concept used to describe ways of knowing. In other words, how you know what you know. Sociologists have been interested in how knowledge is produced since the discipline was founded in the 19th Century. How we come to know our world and make sense of it are influenced by social institutions, in idual attitudes and behaviors, and our demographic position within the social order. The social order is an historical product which continues to change over time. To facilitate our learning from our socio-historical experiences, sociologists frequently turn to ideas expressed by social theorists. Social theory, whether classical or contemporary, may thus be employed to help us make sense of changes in our social and material world. Although technology is arguably as ancient as our first ancestors, as the chapters in this book reveal, the characteristics of and communications within our postindustrial society vary greatly from those which occurred in the age of modernity. This introductory chapter identifies a few well-known social theorists who have historically attempted to explain how and why social systems, at macro and micro levels, change over time. Next, it contextualizes communication as a cultural product, arguing the best way to examine the topic is from multiple, local perspectives. In the feminist tradition of postmodernist Sandra Harding, it implores us to consider the premise and source of the knowledge sources we use and espouse while communicating and interacting in specific ways and environments. Finally, grounded in the systemic backdrop of social inequality, this chapter encourages readers to begin the task of critical thinking and reflecting about how each of us, as in iduals and members of local communities, nations and the world, assuage or reproduces the structurally-derived inequalities which the globalization of communication and technical systems and interacting in a global environment manifests.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2008
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2006
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-09-2014
DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2014.915900
Abstract: This paper explores the effects of mental policy changes and the curtailment of mental health nursing education on the realities of working as a mental health nurse in rural and remote locations in New South Wales, Australia. Using the twin lenses of mental health nursing and the sociology of work and social change, the experiences of mental health nurses are explored and set in the context of the evolution of the mental health nurse into non-specialist mental health worker. At the same time, mental health nurses are challenged to adapt to new practice realities.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-09-2021
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-874-1.CH004
Abstract: The development of successful interactions utilizing e-mail, as an asynchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) technology to conduct qualitative social research, relies upon a host of social norms, symbols and meaning systems well articulated by the micro-sociological theory Symbolic Interactionism. This chapter examines some benefits and consequences of using e-mail interviews to collect data from female senior counsels about contemporary stereotypes of successful barristers in Australia. Despite benefits of cost efficiency, ease of traversing geographical distance and a myriad of claims made by researchers heralding the advantages of e-mail as a data collection tool, this research questions e-mail’s applicability to recruit busy professional participants and elicit in-depth responses to written interview questions when ongoing dialogue is unsolicited. Drawing upon primary data provided by senior counsels, key ex les are provided to demonstrate the potential for miscommunication, paucity of communication and inflexibility e-mail may engender when social interactions, beyond the distribution of research instruments, are absent.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-08-2016
DOI: 10.1111/BJET.12489
Publisher: EJournal Publishing
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.18178/IJESD.2021.12.8.1347
Abstract: Mixed-methods analysis of online social surveys conducted at an Australian organisation is presented to identify in iduals most likely to consider the environmental impact of packaging when making purchase decisions, including bottled water, and/or take their own shopping bags/coffee cups to minimise plastic consumption. Findings are compared for two social groups, the minority (33%) who articulated ‘waste’ as a personal environmental concern, and the majority. With high disposable coffee cup consumption existing alongside ‘most’ product-choices based on their pro-environmental packaging, findings further green ‘attitude/behaviour’ gap explorations. Given legislated plastic reduction initiatives yielded greatest in idual behavioural change (bringing/reusing grocery bags) regardless of respondents’ waste-production concern, continued promotion of consumer preference-based, non-punitive incentives promoted in research literature may come at high ecological cost.
Publisher: Common Ground Research Networks
Date: 2022
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-616-7.CH018
Abstract: Changes in the availability and quality of communication technology have revolutionized, and fundamentally altered, learning environments. As citizens of the “Information Age,” the breadth and impact of global communication are triggering unprecedented transformation of social structures and institutions. This chapter explores the impact of commodification on education when institutions of higher education sell knowledge as a commercial good. The contemporary phenomenon of distance education is increasingly offered and purchased by an international market which experiences heightened pressure for standardization from the global citizens it serves. It is argued here that technological changes necessitate reevaluation of communication processes, discursive practices, and organizational policies. To stay competitive and produce quality products for increasingly international audiences, institutions must create well-articulated policies. By providing insight on the impact multiple sociocultural and communicative norms have on virtual communication, this research uses qualitative discursive analysis of case ex les to examine how variance in the structure and delivery of virtual communication environments at a leading distance education university in Australia affects student satisfaction, perception, and learning outcomes. Whereas previous research fails to include a theoretical or conceptual framework, this work draws upon interdisciplinary work from the fields of sociology, education, and science and technology studies. How “cyberspace” changes interaction rituals, masks cultural norms, and alters entrenched social expectations by creating new sensitivities is discussed, along with the ramifications of variation in technological availability, competence, and expectations in global classrooms. In sum, ideas for informing change in policy, administration, and the delivery of distance education and virtual communication in global environments are discussed to equip leaders and participants with skills to foster effective communicative and interaction strategies.
Publisher: American Astronomical Society
Date: 26-03-2018
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2010
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2009
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-11-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-08-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-09-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-04-2019
Publisher: American Astronomical Society
Date: 09-04-2018
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1051/E3SCONF/202015802001
Abstract: This paper contributes findings from a social survey conducted to examine in idual awareness of coal’s non-renewability, environmental issues, and home energy behaviours. The s le exhibited high (86%) awareness of coal’s non-renewability and 74% self-identified energy issues as key environmental problems affecting their lives. Government presumptions that education c aigns are needed to increase Australian public awareness of carbon emissions and may induce pro-environmental energy behaviours are questioned. Energy issue awareness failed to significantly affect 4 home energy behaviours (choosing A/C settings, type of home temperature control, turning lights off in unoccupied rooms, turning appliances off standby) for ‘environmental sustainability’ reasons. Findings support international research documenting disparity between in idual awareness of environmental issues and pro-environmental actions for such issues. Consistent with prior research, age was the most significant factor affecting pro-environmental energy behaviours. Older in iduals were most likely to consider environmental sustainability for home temperature and A/C settings. Education, age, and energy issue awareness did not significantly affect ‘low stakes’ consumption behaviours (appliances or lights) for environmental reasons. In locations with non-renewable energy, policy and education initiatives improving knowledge that aggregated carbon consumption from seemingly minor in idual behaviours may reduce environmental degradation may make ‘unnecessary’ energy consumption less culturally normative or acceptable.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-11-2017
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1051/E3SCONF/202015802003
Abstract: Clean air remains an elusive and inequitable human right. Air pollution unnecessarily increases morbidity, mortality rates, and environmental degradation globally. This paper presents results from a content analysis of all (n = 133) submissions to the 2019 New South Wales Government call for public feedback to its ‘Clean Air’ issues and action priorities. Findings show stakeholder agreement that air pollution’s regulation and measurement are problematic. Issue framing ulged stakeholder agendas, particularly for shipping industries, highlighted inconsistencies in government and industry regulations, and revealed mistrust and issue partiality. Science literacy, proximity to pollution source, socioeconomic status, and pollution visibility affected issue descriptions and recommendations. Cruise ships in Sydney Harbour received disproportionately high focus relative to their contribution to the shipping industry’s contribution to local air pollution. Government and health body submissions proposed public education, awareness raising, and personal action as key steps to avoid emission exposure. We argue such ‘deficit theory’ approaches are inadequate in light of international research evidencing pollution visibility and personal perception poorly reflect scientific air quality measures. To surpass Australian NIMBY approaches to air pollution, we propose adopting European international legislative reform to equitably enforce clean air ‘rights’ and actions across industries, governments, and communities, irrespective of stakeholder priorities.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-07-2011
DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2011.569633
Abstract: Mental health nursing as a distinct speciality has been in decline in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, for two decades. Arguably, this decline has worsened both consumer outcomes and the workplace experiences of mental health nurses. This article reports on a study designed to ascertain the nature of contemporary mental health nursing practice in New South Wales. The study utilised focus group research methodology, with participants recounting the realities of their day-to-day professional practice and perceptions of their professional identity. The findings indicate a contracting, if not moribund, profession a decrease in the value attached to mental health nursing and a pattern of persistent underfunding by successive governments of mental health services. An analysis of present and historical trends reveals there is a pressing need for a restructure and re-formation of mental health nursing in rural areas. This article links the shortage of mental health nurses in NSW to the closure of the mental health nursing register, a shift to comprehensive/generalist nurse education models, a perceived lack of nurses' professional standing, and natural attrition without suitably qualified replacements. Mental health nurses in this study perceived that they were not valued by other health professionals or by their own managers. Participants in this study reported mental health nursing in rural areas was an unattractive career choice. These findings are important to the understanding of recruitment and retention issues in rural mental health nursing in Australia.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2019
Abstract: Economic and social norms/behaviours challenge ‘greener’ transportation alternatives in rural Australia’s car-dependent society. Surveys ( n = 412) and interviews ( n = 44) conducted at a rural Australian organization reveal experiences with, and perceptions about, carpooling, public transportation, greener cars and walking/cycling c aigns. Infrastructure, cultural norms and life-stage demands competed against pro-environmental transportation actions, even if self-identifying as ‘pro-environment’. Discussed amid cognitive dissonance and impression management theory, findings support ‘attitude/action’ gaps in environmental psychology research. Interview participants knew vehicles degraded the environment and 81 per cent surveyed used environmental ratings in car purchasing decisions. Thus, deficit-based communication theory and public health c aigns are limiting approaches. Change management requires innovative solutions, not awareness-raising c aigns, to achieve organizational carbon neutrality goals beyond ‘offsetting’ and address the reasons—inconvenience and social hysical undesirability—interviewees shared about their ability/willingness to walk/cycle/share-drive.
Publisher: BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS
Date: 08-01-2014
Publisher: Universität Kassel
Date: 2022
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-874-1.CH017
Abstract: Forensic science students must not only learn disciplinary-specific subject content, but also need to acquire the interpersonal and communication skills crucial for successful careers in policing and biotechnology. Utilizing various Web 2.0 computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies, asynchronous and synchronous communication, including chat rooms, podcasts, resource sharing and wikis, enabled the creation of virtual active-learning environments. A virtual crime scene was produced to permit distance and face-to-face university students to conduct a virtual forensics investigation. The virtual model allowed students to gain and become aware of the practical communication skills consistent with ‘real-life’ forensic crime scene analysis. Specifically, the use of virtual role-play reproduced patterns of dialogue routine among police officers, crime scene officers and lab technicians. CMC technologies not only facilitated these social interactions, but gave distance education students a simulated forensic workplace experience not possible due to cost, location and time. This narrowed preconceived gaps between distance and internal education. Finally, the authors’ chapter argues that with careful planning, the use of role playing and scripting can be an effective tool for encouraging pedagogically effective social interactions utilizing new CMC technologies
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-09-2017
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 28-01-2022
DOI: 10.1177/25166026211070374
Abstract: Understanding what prompts ‘community-fit’ (subjective feeling of alignment with one’s residential community) is vital for retaining city-leavers voluntarily choosing to live outside major cities and for community well-being rosperity. In Australia, city-exit is supported by decentralisation policy and media using imagery of gentrified rurality, wholesome communities, and affordability to assuage metropolitan congestion and address non-coastal rural-regional depopulation. This results in land development accompanied by population turnover as a few urbanites permanently relocate inland. By presenting a thematic analysis of interviews with city-leavers and government/industry professionals, this article identifies key factors affecting (dis)satisfaction with communities sought/left. Findings show community satisfaction is achieved through sociocultural-affirming social interactions, not property/amenity consumption. Hence, developing rural-regional marketing strategies that better articulate communities’ sociocultural dimensions may increase awareness of place-based values/characteristics pre-relocation to avoid poor community fit and cost. Finally, to support resident retention, inclusivity practices accompanying community change are advocated.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 31-07-2006
No related grants have been discovered for Angela T. Ragusa.