Multiethnic Australia

"After once trying to keep its population White and predominantly British, Australia reversed course. Since 1947 it has absorbed five million immigrants from some 240 countries. This book examines why immigration policies changed, the conflicts they caused and the benefits they brought"--Provided by publisher.

In this first major analysis of Australian multiculturalism for many years, the authors argue that despite appearances, multiculturalism is alive and well in Australia, and remains the best bulwark against terrorism, racism and injustice.

Democratic political systems and the democratic way of life is aspired by most people around the world. Democracy is considered to be morally superior to other forms of political systems as it aspires to secure civil liberties, human rights, social justice and equality before the law for everyone regardless of their gender, culture, religion and national origin. Enshrined in democracy is separation of religion and state, fair and competitive elections of leaders according to a country’s constitution which in turn is based on democratic ideals. Democracy aspires for people of different backgrounds to live together with their differences intact, but all contributing towards a better life for all. In today’s increasingly pluralistic societies many people of different cultural and national backgrounds are brought together. Many have migrated from countries with autocratic political systems. Some with religions that require them to behave in different way, others with cultures teaching them values of harmony, collectivism and conformity as opposed to the culture of their host country emphasizing individualism and cherishing differences. Hence, in multicultural societies development of pluralistic democracy, a democracy which includes respect for diversity is essential. A truly multicultural education which is based on the assumption that different cultures will be equally represented in education goes a long way towards education for democratic citizenship. Such an education would make students aware of issues of human rights and justice and encourage them to define their own values and ways in which they could contribute to a better world. The aim of this volume is to provide a forum for discussion of how multiple social perspectives and personal values can be brought together on common grounds around matters related to democracy. Contributions from research, and scholarly theoretical work as well as presentation of existing creative models of democracy education will be included. Authors from the major democracies will comment on the models and practice of multicultural education in their respective countries, to facilitate discussion and learning from each others’ experiences.

Click here for a presentation of the We are Australian seriesAustralia is a nation made up of many cultures, people and beliefs. One thing bonds us all together we are all Australian. Multicultural Australians introduces the people from more than 200 countries who call Australia home. Migrants from all over the world have enriched Australia with their different cultures and skills. Many Australians dream of a peaceful way of life, and a shared sense of belonging.Special features include:

Refugees. Border protection. Ethnic gangs. Terrorism. History wars. Pauline Hanson. Australia's faith in multiculturalism has been shaken by fierce attacks from its enemies and a sense of crisis among its friends. Multiculturalism has become a political tool to win votes and generate community anxiety. What is left of the multicultural ideal? Bob Hodge and John O'Carroll take the pulse of multicultural Australia in the wake of September 11. They investigate the hot spots' of multiculturalism, showing how they cluster around fiercely defended boundaries and borders, both literal and symbolic. They tackle the issues of racism past and present, and show how injustice impacts on many communities in Australia, including Aboriginals as well as more recent migrant groups. The authors argue that despite appearances, multiculturalism is alive and well in Australia, and a commitment to tolerance and diversity characterises daily life. In fact, Australia's multiculture is the best kind of borderwork against terrorism, racism and injustice. A timely, original and optimistic discussion of Australia's multicultural past and our possible futures.' Graeme Turner, Director, Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies, University of Queensland This clearly written book shines a welcome light on the fog of critique of Australian multiculturalism from both the Right and the Left.' Jock Collins, Professor of Economics, University of Technology Sydney

The second edition of this source book contains essays and annotations on a number of issues related to multicultural education. The authors define multicultural education as a process-oriented creation of learning experiences that foster an awareness of, respect for, and enjoyment of the diversity of our society and world. Inherent in this definition of multicultural education is a commitment to create a more just and equitable society for all people. This book, then, offers suggestions relevant to the teaching of all children, all teaching and curricular decisions, and every aspect of educational policy.