Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
aboriginal cultural resilience, community ethnography, Utopia
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Sociology
Abstract
Most rural indigenous communities in Australia have an abnormally high frequency of tobacco and alcohol use, domestic violence, and gambling, the prevalence of which can be seen as a result of an anomic loss of cultural identity in the postcolonial era (O’Connor 1984; Johnston and Thomas 2008). Decades of national-level statistics describe a shorter life expectancy, less education, and an overall decreased quality of life for indigenous Australians compared to their non-indigenous peers. Recently, the issue of Australian Commonwealth policy to close the “Aboriginal achievement gap” has gained increased attention, particularly due to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s 2008 landmark “Sorry Speech.” Though the social problems are apparent and the government is invested, a lack of understanding has limited the efficacy of interventions to reduce inequality.
Recommended Citation
Meldrum, Jaren and Goodsell, Dr. Todd L.
(2013)
"Aboriginal Cultural Resilience: A Community Ethnography in Utopia,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 613.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/613