Sociology Written Review - 1000 words - Materials Provided (PART 2) - Essay Example

This review however is limited by the fact that the chapter is merely a small part of the author’s entire book and many of the points and issues taken refer to some other parts or chapters of the book. Nevertheless, Pusey is more than emphatic on the debilitating effect of orchestrated economic reforms on the Australian community life. The fundamental premise of the author in this chapter is, as previously stated, that the economic reforms being undertaken by the Australian government is not good because instead of making these reforms suit the needs of the Australians, it is the people who bear the brunt of the effects of these reforms.

This is ultimately bad because it tends to weaken the very foundation of society which is community life. To illustrate his point, Pusey utilised the different impressions and experiences of 400 middle class Australians (hence, the title The Experience of Middle Australians) of several aspects of modern Australian life like membership in voluntary organisations, crimes, the Australian social and economic structures, the media and institutions and people they give their trust to. The control group of 400 middle class Australians, according to the data gathered by Pusey, constituted highly mobile individuals, who have moved around most of their lives, due to labour markets which necessitated frequent relocation of homes.

Pusey interpreted this as causing the dissolution of “associational density” which characterises communities. This is certainly true especially if one’s concept of community is that of a communal association of old and long-time friends, neighbors and associates. However, the opportunity of meeting and associating with new neighbors and striking new acquaintances can be viewed from a positive perspective. This allows a person to broaden his perspectives and besides, if individuals are open to association with other individuals