Ways in Which Multiculturalism is Beneficial to the Australian Society - Case Study Example

Ways in which multiculturalism is beneficial to the Australian society Introduction The issue of multiculturalism is important in societies whose populations are composed of individuals and groups from diverse social, religious and cultural backgrounds. Australia, being a country that is made up of population groups from diverse backgrounds, is such a country. This research seeks to establish different ways in which multiculturalism is beneficial to the Australian society. It is a qualitative research that is based on analysing and interpreting secondary data on different ways in which Australia benefits from multiculturalism. Sources used include published research in academic journals, books and other academic sources. In order to determine knowledge gaps in early research on the subject, a comprehensive review of literature is done. From the review, it can be seen that many studies on the subject of multiculturalism in Australia have focused on elaborating the history, policy environment and theoretical developments of the subject as opposed to making a comprehensive evaluation of benefits of the subject. It is because of this that the knowledge generated from the research is of great significance. Also, information about different ways in which this knowledge will be used in presented. This follows a comprehensive presentation of the findings of the research on the subject of different ways in which the Australian society benefits from multiculturalism. Research Question The following question was used in the research: In what ways is multiculturalism beneficial to the Australian society? Literature Review In general, research on the topic of multiculturalism in Australia has followed three traditional approaches. The first approach has focused on understanding the historical nature of multiculturalism in Australia. Under this approach, studies have been carried out to understand how different stages in the history of Australia have been characterised by specific developments in the subject of multiculturalism and diversity. In such studies, the historical development of multiculturalism is placed within the broad history of national development. In the second approach, research has been focused on defining multiculturalism within the context of the contemporary Australian society. In this category, studies have sought to define the concept of multiculturalism basing on different aspects that make up Australian identity. Lastly, studies on the subject of multiculturalism in Australia have sought to understand the role of different policies in shaping activities such as immigration into Australia and integration of immigrants into the national culture. These studies have sought to explain how these changes in policies have played a role in shaping multiculturalism in the country. Essentially, the concept of multiculturalism has received extensive academic attention. This is because of the breadth and scope of different aspects that the concept entails. According to Kamran (2007, p. 94), multiculturalism as a concept entails the existence of diversity in the form of social, political, gender, religious and ethnic orientations within a single society. As such, different social and cultural inclinations are assimilated to a single dominant cultural group. Prato (2012, p. 2) observes that the debate about multiculturalism has focused on addressing different aspects arising from it such as education, tolerance, the rights of minority groups and the need to preserve cultural identity. More recently, Ozdowski (2012, p. 4) identified three different meanings that can be ascribed to the concept of multiculturalism. First is the fact that multiculturalism can be understood in terms of the existence of diversity in the demographics of a particular country. The second meaning arises from the ideological cohesiveness that enables persons from different cultural backgrounds to be assimilated to one dominant culture. The third one is regards the social impact of multiculturalism in the form of equality in the distribution of resources among persons from different cultural backgrounds. Several studies have sought to trace the history of multiculturalism in Australia. For instance, Galligan and Roberts (2003, p. 4) state that the concept of multiculturalism gained prominence in Australia starting from the 1970s and 80s. In this early development, multiculturalism was understood in terms of the cultural and ethnic identity of Australian in the face of new immigrants. The official understanding of the concept was elaborated in the National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia, in which multiculturalism was defined as having three key dimensions: cultural identity for all Australians, social justice in the form of equality and lastly, economic efficiency in the form of opportunities for development. In a study by Moran (2008, p. 4), it was observed that the need to develop a national identity had a huge impact on the development of multiculturalism in Australia. It is this early understanding of the concept that has influenced the development of multiculturalism in the country over the course of time. Although this was the case, Galligan and Roberts (2003, p. 9) view the process of development of multiculturalism in Australia as one that has undergone several changes from obscurity to popularity then to complete indifference In general, studies indicate that the development of multiculturalism has taken place concurrently with changes in policies that govern immigration and which thus enhance multiculturalism itself. West (2010, p. 212) views the historical development of multiculturalism in Australia as one that has taken place in the form of different phases. In the first phase was the early development of the concept back in the 1970s and 80s. The early forms of multiculturalism in Australia was epitomised by development of the Racial Discrimination Act of 1975. This legislation sought to tackle discrimination against immigrants into the country and thus foster cultural and religious diversity in the country. It is during these early phase of multicultural development in Australian that different programmes and policies were formulated as a way of ensuring that the concept was entrenched in the mainstream public policy discussions. Studies on changes in Australian polices towards multiculturalism indicate that there was a fundamental shift in the policies governing multiculturalism in Australian beginning from the 1990s. This was because of the need to redefine multiculturalism in light of the uniqueness of Australia and was demonstrated in the form of national history, a highly diverse heritage and a unique cultural identity (Koleth 2010, p. 15). Therefore, it can be seen that the official understanding of multiculturalism in Australia under the New Agenda was based on the need to enhance complete cohesion and unity among different peoples of the country. This was reflected in the need for the government to advance the values of Australian citizenship as a means of creating and maintaining harmony among the highly diverse population of the country (Multicultural Development Association 2011, p. 11). As such, the official policy towards multiculturalism contains several key principles as follows: responsibility for all citizens; respect for each person within Australia; equal treatment and lastly, equal sharing of the benefits arising from diversity among all Australians (Leuner 2008, p. 106). These principles correspond to civic duty, cultural respect, social equity and productive diversity; important elements upon which multiculturalism in Australia is built (Fleras 2009, p. 121). The current official policy towards multiculturalism in Australia can be understood in the form of the role of the National Multicultural Advisory Council (Blumberg 2012, p. 4). Following the recommendations of the committee, the official policy towards multiculturalism identified the need to support the development of a nation that is made up of cultural diversity and social cohesion. According to Henry and Kurzak (2013, p. 2), it is this approach towards multiculturalism and diversity that makes it possible for both the government of Australia and non-governmental organizations to create awareness about the diverse nature of the country as a way of fostering multiculturalism. This is in resonance to issues that are happening in the global environment which create the need for countries such as Australia to enhance social cohesion and inclusion among their ethnically diverse populations. Levey (2013, p. 118), states that for inclusion to be successful, both the immigrants joining a dominant culture and the citizens of the country must satisfy their different roles. Whereas the immigrants are required to show reciprocity and mutual adjustment, it is the role of the host country to establish the right institutions and a major culture that enhances inclusion of the newcomers. This is similar to the observation by Leone (2012, p. 189) that values such as cultural integration, cohesion and harmony are central to the process of developing multiculturalism in Australia. Therefore, it can be seen that the current state of multiculturalism in Australia is one that is characterised by diverse opinions (Blumberg 2012, p. 5). From the review of relevant literature, it can be seen that there have been many studies conducted on the field of multiculturalism in general. Three important patterns emerge from these studies. To begin with, many of the studies have sought to trace the historical development of multiculturalism in Australia. To this end, it can be seen that many studies identify several phases that have characterised the development of multiculturalism in Australia. On the other hand, research in multiculturalism in Australia has been focused on evaluating changes in official policy towards the subject. With political transitioning taking place in the form of different regimes being in power, Australia has had different policy frameworks towards multiculturalism. Lastly, it can be seen that although studies on the issue of multiculturalism in Australia have sought to establish the social, cultural and economic aspects of the issue, a comprehensive evaluation of the actual benefits of multiculturalism and diversity to the society have received less attention. Therefore, the essence of this research is to evaluate specific ways in which multiculturalism contributes to economic and social benefits in the Australian society. Cultural context and theoretical framework Multiculturalism is understood in terms of how it is shaped by different forces in the contemporary world. Inglis (2003, n.pag) identifies important forces that shape multiculturalism in the current times: political change, globalisation and an increase in international population movements. All these factors affect multiculturalism in different ways. For instance, globalisation, by virtue of seeking to establish a homogenous international culture, enhances multiculturalism among persons of different cultural backgrounds (Sotshangane 2002, p. 223). On the other hand, governments at different times develop specific policies to address issues of current concern in their countries. Also, increased population movements across international borders take the form of refugees, asylum seekers, permanent immigrants and contract labour. As such, changes in the rate of movements of persons across different nations create diversity which is an important aspect of multiculturalism (Lundy 2003, p. 73). On the other hand, the theoretical framework of the benefits of multiculturalism can be understood in terms of different aspects that the term multiculturalism denotes. According to Crowder (2013, n.pag), there are two approaches to the role of multiculturalism on the society. On one hand is the approach that emphasises on the economic benefits that arise from activities such as immigration and integration. This is in contrast with the other theoretical view towards multiculturalism in which the need for multiculturalism arises from its usefulness in achieving political and cultural goals. Therefore, the research is carried out within this theoretical framework in which the role of multiculturalism is understood under two distinct categories: social and economic benefits to the Australian society. Methodology Essentially, the research was carried out as a qualitative one. After the research question was formulated, critical and in-depth examination of previous research on the subject was carried out. The non-quantitative data used in the research was derived from previous studies published in journals, books and other academic sources. The findings of the evaluation of the previous research were then critically analysed using interpretative methods to establish different ways in which multiculturalism is beneficial to Australia. The findings were then presented in the form a discussion on different ways in which the Australian society benefits from multiculturalism. The discussion of the findings are categorised into two: economic benefits of multiculturalism to the Australian society and different ways in which multiculturalism generates social benefits to the Australian society. Ethical considerations Since this is a qualitative research, only number of ethical issues arose during the various stages of the research. Most importantly, care was taken to avoid biased analysis and interpretation of the findings of different studies on the subject matter of the research. Apart from collecting data, ethical issues arose in the process of analysing research data and presenting the findings. Care was taken to avoid biasness when analysing the data and potential deception in presenting the findings of the research Limitations and questions of validity and rigour This is an entirely qualitative research in which the data used is in the form of findings from other studies on the subject that were conducted earlier. As a result this approach raises questions of validity and rigour when the findings of the research are compared to other studies conducted using quantitative or mixed frameworks and made use of primary data. In addition to the framework used in conducting the research, the process interpreting and presenting the findings of the research also raises issues to do with validity and rigour of the research. This is so because the interpretation is based on an analytical discussion of different studies that have been carried out on the subject of multiculturalism in Australia. In order to ensure the rigour and validity of the findings of the research, the concepts of dependability was used. Analysis and interpretation of data From the analysis done on the secondary sources of data, the importance of multiculturalism in Australia can be understood in terms of social, economic and political benefits to the country. It can be seen that many studies which have been carried out to establish the importance of multiculturalism in the country have identified several reasons for establishing and maintaining multiculturalism in the country. Many of these reasons are associated with the social, political and economic benefits that arise from a diverse and socially cohesive society. Economic importance of multiculturalism There are several economic benefits that arise from a diverse and multicultural society in Australia. To begin with, multiculturalism enhances economic growth in Australia by increasing the level of participation of the workforce and overall productivity (New South Wales Government 2011, p. 13). This happens in three different ways: (1) by increasing the number of the total working population in the country though immigration of persons within the working age; (2) through enhancing the level of participation of the workforce in the country by encouraging persons who are inclined to work move into the country; and (3) improving general productivity of the workforce of the country by creating conditions that encourage immigration of skilled workforce into the country. Further, the economic benefits of multiculturalism in Australia can be understood in terms of the role that immigrant workers have played in transforming the labour relations in the country. Following changes in policies about immigration and general diversity in the country, a huge number of immigration workers moved into the country mainly from other countries other than the mainly English Speaking ones (Teicher, Shah & Griffin 2002, p. 217). As such, an influx of this kind of labour into the country made it necessary for the governments to develop the right policies to cater for their special needs in the form of establishing equal opportunities for immigrant workers among other (Syed & Kramar 2010, p. 101). Through these processes, Australia has been transformed into a highly productive country as a result of increased immigration and successful integration of skilled employees. It is this policy that has resulted into a huge number of immigrant entrepreneurs from other countries, most notably China, who have made important contributions to the Australian economy (Collins 2002, p. 123). Social importance of multiculturalism One way in which multiculturalism generates cultural benefits to the Australian society is through the role of multicultural art. Since the Australian population is generally diverse in that a majority of the population are immigrants, this means that the country has culturally diverse sensibilities which are represented in different forms of arts (Baranay 2004, p. 20). It is through the activities of multicultural artists that Australia is able to engage with different cultures at the global arena (Babacan 2011, p. 18). This is so because the diverse population of the country produce works of art which while having different cultural origins, are recognised as mainstream Australian art. This form of multicultural art appeals to different persons from diverse backgrounds, thus enabling Australian identity to reach a global audience. Another way in which multiculturalism creates social benefits to the Australian society arises from its role in creating cohesion within a society that is composed of people from diverse backgrounds. From analysis of the findings of different studies, it can be seen that multiculturalism is important to Australia in that it creates and enhances the functioning of the society as an inclusive one. By reducing the extent of ethnicity, racism and nationalism, multiculturalism contributes to social capital by creating and maintaining a fully multicultural and cohesive society in Australia (Gundara 2002, p. 42). According to Mooney-Cotter (2013, p. 103), the principle of equal access and opportunities for all Australians as contained in the current policy on multiculturalism ensures that both individuals and the society at large benefit from multiculturalism. This is so because by observing the rights of different individual with regard to access to opportunities, multiculturalism ensures social and political stability by reducing levels of possible social unrest arising from inequality. Generation of knowledge and new understanding This research is based on a critical examination of previous studies conducted on the subject of multiculturalism in Australia. The objective is outline different ways in which the subject of multiculturalism is important to the Australian society. although this is not a new topic, the fact that this research attempts to interpret and analyse findings in previous studies is important as a way of providing a brief understanding of different ways in which the entire Australian society benefits from multiculturalism. This is so because the findings are organised into social and economic benefits of multiculturalism to Australia. Application and dissemination First of all, this knowledge about different ways in which multiculturalism and diversity is beneficial to the Australian society will be useful to the government. Both the national government and different state governments in Australia will use this knowledge to formulate the right policy framework with regard to questions of immigration, diversity and cohesion; which are central to the subject of multiculturalism. Governments will be able to formulate the right policies that are in tandem with global trends and local needs. The second beneficiary of the knowledge generated in this research will be non-governmental organizations that are involved in the subject of multiculturalism in Australia. For such organizations and activists, this knowledge will help shape their rhetoric and narratives used in creating awareness for the need of multiculturalism in Australia. Thirdly, knowledge generated from this research will be useful to educationists in Australia. This is because the knowledge shall be used to develop appropriate content for students at different levels in the education system. Since, teaching multiculturalism to students is an important way of enhancing the right values in students, this knowledge shall be used to develop appropriate curriculum material about the issue for students. Lastly, knowledge about the importance of multiculturalism in Australia will be important to the general public in that it will shape public perceptions and debate about the issue. Conclusion In conclusion, multiculturalism is important to the Australian society in that it presents different social and economic advantages. From the analysis done on findings from different studies conducted on the subject, it can be seen that there are a number of both economic and social benefits which the Australian society benefits from as a result of putting in place the right policies that enhance multiculturalism and diversity. For instance, studies indicate that multiculturalism enhances social cohesion and unity in Australia. This is a form of social capital that promotes overall wellbeing and stability of the society. Also, through the activities of multicultural artists, the culture of Australia is able to reach a global audience, thus enhancing overall cultural values in the country. On the other hand, economic benefits of multiculturalism to the Australian society are witnessed in the form of the role of immigrant entrepreneurs and skilled workers in the overall economy of Australia. Studies indicate that immigrant workers and entrepreneurs, whose movement and integration into the Australian culture depends on multiculturalism, have made significant contributions to the Australian economy. Lastly, this knowledge will be important to different stakeholders in Australia. These include educationists, the government, non-governmental agencies and the general public. References Babacan, H 2011, ‘Multi is my culture: critical reflections on multicultural arts in tropical Australia’, viewed 9 May 2014, Baranay, I 2004, ‘Multiculturalism, globalization and worldliness: origin and destination of the text’, viewed 10 May 2014, Blumberg, S 2012, ‘Who are we? Behind the scenes of multiculturalism in Australia’, viewed 10 May 2014, Collins, J 2002, ‘Chinese entrepreneurs: The Chinese Diaspora in Australia’, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, vol. 8, no. 1/2, pp. 113–133. Cowder, G 2013, ‘Multiculturalism: a value-pluralist approach’, in G B Levey (ed), Political theory and Australian multiculturalism, Berghahn Books, Melbourne, chapter 3. Fleras, A 2009, The politics of multiculturalism: multicultural governance in comparative perspective, Palgrave Macmillan, New York. Galligan, B & Roberts, W 2003, ‘Australian multiculturalism: its rise and demise’, viewed 10 May 2014, Gundara, J S 2002, ‘Multiculturalism in Canada, Britain and Australia: the role of intercultural education’, London Journal of Canadian Studies, vol. 17, pp. 40–59, viewed 9 May 2014, Henry, N & Kurzak, K 2013, ‘A Multicultural Australia’, viewed 9 May 2014, Inglis, C 2003, ‘Multiculturalism: new policy responses to diversity’, Unesco – Management of Social Transformations, Policy Paper No. 4, viewed 9 May 2014, Kamran, T 2007, ‘Islam, Urdu and Hindu as the other: Instruments of cultural homogeneity in Pakistan’, in B Chandra (ed), Composite culture in a multicultural society, Pearson Education, New Delhi, pp. 93-122. Koleth, E 2010, ‘Multiculturalism: a review of Australian policy statements and recent debates in Australia and overseas’, Parliament of Australia, Research Paper no. 6, 2010–11, viewed 9 May 2014, Leone, M 2012, ‘Hearing and belonging: on sounds, faiths and laws’, in V J Bhatia, C A Hafner, L Miler & A Wagner (eds), Transparency, power and control: perspectives on legal communication, Ashgate Publishing, Burlington, pp. 184–198. Leuner, B 2008, Migration, multiculturalism and language maintenance in Australia: Polish migration to Melbourne in the 1980s, Peter Lang Publishers, Bern. Levey, G B 2013, ‘Inclusion: a missing principle in Australian multiculturalism’, in P Balint & S G de Latour (eds), Liberal multiculturalism and the fair terms of integration, Palgrave Macmillan, London, pp. 109–125. Lundy, D 2003, ‘Multiculturalism and pluralisation: kissing cousins of globalization’, in R Tiplady (ed), One world or many? The impact of globalization on mission, William Carey, Pasadena, pp. 71–84. Mooney-Cotter, A 2013, Culture clash: an international legal perspective on ethnic discrimination, Ashgate Publishing, Surrey. Moran, A 2008, ‘Multiculturalism and Australian National Identity’, viewed 10 May 2014, Multicultural Development Association 2011, ‘Inquiry into multiculturalism in Australia’, Submission by The Multicultural Development Association, viewed 9 May 2014, New South Wales Government 2011, ‘The economic advantages of cultural diversity in Australia’, viewed 9 May 2014, Ozdowski, S 2012, ‘Australian multiculturalism: the roots of its success’, Paper presented at the Third international conference on human rights education: promoting change in times of transition and crisis, Krakow, December 2012, viewed 9 May 2014, Prato, G B 2012, ‘Introduction – beyond multiculturalism: anthropology at the intersections between the local, the national and the global’, in G B Prato (ed), Beyond multiculturalism: views from anthropology, Ashgate Publishing, Burlington, pp. 1–20. Sotshangane, N 2002, ‘What impact globalization has on cultural diversity?’, Alternatives: Turkish Journal of International Relations, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 214-230, viewed 9 May 2014, Syed, J & Kramar, R 2011, ‘What is the Australian model for managing cultural diversity?’, Personnel Review, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 96–115. Teicher, J, Shah, C & Griffin, G 2002, ‘Australian immigration: the triumph of economics over prejudice?’ International Journal of Manpower, vol. 23, no. 23, pp. 209–236. West, B A 2010, A brief history of Australia, Infobase Publishing, New York. Read More

Several studies have sought to trace the history of multiculturalism in Australia. For instance, Galligan and Roberts (2003, p. 4) state that the concept of multiculturalism gained prominence in Australia starting from the 1970s and 80s. In this early development, multiculturalism was understood in terms of the cultural and ethnic identity of Australian in the face of new immigrants. The official understanding of the concept was elaborated in the National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia, in which multiculturalism was defined as having three key dimensions: cultural identity for all Australians, social justice in the form of equality and lastly, economic efficiency in the form of opportunities for development.

In a study by Moran (2008, p. 4), it was observed that the need to develop a national identity had a huge impact on the development of multiculturalism in Australia. It is this early understanding of the concept that has influenced the development of multiculturalism in the country over the course of time. Although this was the case, Galligan and Roberts (2003, p. 9) view the process of development of multiculturalism in Australia as one that has undergone several changes from obscurity to popularity then to complete indifference In general, studies indicate that the development of multiculturalism has taken place concurrently with changes in policies that govern immigration and which thus enhance multiculturalism itself.

West (2010, p. 212) views the historical development of multiculturalism in Australia as one that has taken place in the form of different phases. In the first phase was the early development of the concept back in the 1970s and 80s. The early forms of multiculturalism in Australia was epitomised by development of the Racial Discrimination Act of 1975. This legislation sought to tackle discrimination against immigrants into the country and thus foster cultural and religious diversity in the country.

It is during these early phase of multicultural development in Australian that different programmes and policies were formulated as a way of ensuring that the concept was entrenched in the mainstream public policy discussions. Studies on changes in Australian polices towards multiculturalism indicate that there was a fundamental shift in the policies governing multiculturalism in Australian beginning from the 1990s. This was because of the need to redefine multiculturalism in light of the uniqueness of Australia and was demonstrated in the form of national history, a highly diverse heritage and a unique cultural identity (Koleth 2010, p. 15). Therefore, it can be seen that the official understanding of multiculturalism in Australia under the New Agenda was based on the need to enhance complete cohesion and unity among different peoples of the country.

This was reflected in the need for the government to advance the values of Australian citizenship as a means of creating and maintaining harmony among the highly diverse population of the country (Multicultural Development Association 2011, p. 11). As such, the official policy towards multiculturalism contains several key principles as follows: responsibility for all citizens; respect for each person within Australia; equal treatment and lastly, equal sharing of the benefits arising from diversity among all Australians (Leuner 2008, p. 106). These principles correspond to civic duty, cultural respect, social equity and productive diversity; important elements upon which multiculturalism in Australia is built (Fleras 2009, p. 121). The current official policy towards multiculturalism in Australia can be understood in the form of the role of the National Multicultural Advisory Council (Blumberg 2012, p. 4). Following the recommendations of the committee, the official policy towards multiculturalism identified the need to support the development of a nation that is made up of cultural diversity and social cohesion.

According to Henry and Kurzak (2013, p. 2), it is this approach towards multiculturalism and diversity that makes it possible for both the government of Australia and non-governmental organizations to create awareness about the diverse nature of the country as a way of fostering multiculturalism.

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