Introduction
A general notion that transcends through generations connotes that the source of an egalitarian society, in Australia, is in people’s refusal to accept malevolent classifications that tend to showcase some people as being superior to others. Nonetheless, this fight has been fruitful and Australia is an egalitarian society.
Australia the Fiercely Egalitarian Society
Argy (2005) starts by addressing issues that are currently threatening the egalitarian attitude in Australia noting that decreased mobility, rather than unequal income gap is a potential danger to the egalitarian society. Argy (2005) goes ahead to define an egalitarian society as a society that takes care of the poor among them by ensuring that the poor are treated with the dignity they deserve without any discrimination levelled against them. This has seen an increase in national productivity, as well as the wellness of citizens (Argy 2005). Additionally, an egalitarian society shares its resources, especially the benefits emanating from increased national productivity (Argy 2005). There should be equality in the workplace with freedom of expression without discrimination as long as it is within the precinct of the law (Argy 2005).
Australia possesses a large amount of these facets. To start with, Australia has shared values (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). It is easy to confuse egalitarianism with equality. However, this might be impractical in an egalitarian society. As in the guiding statement of this assignment, everyone is provided with a chance, although these opportunities differ in their magnitude. In Australia, everyone is treated with equal worth (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012; Gerth & Mills 1954). However, this does not mean that they all have the same amount of property or wealth. There are those who are poor and those rich, but their value in one another’s eye is equal and so is the treatment of one another.
There are no formal or informal classifications based on an individual’s earnings or income. Each person is provided with an equal opportunity to make the most out of what they want to do. There are those people who work hard and accumulate wealth over time. This means that a person does not have to have high-levels of connections to achieve their goals, but with determination and hard work, a person can make the most out of the chances provided to them in life (Gerth & Mills 1954). Apparently, Australia is one of the leading countries with the lowest number of unemployed, which lower than 4.3 % (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Additionally, the gross per capita income in Australia is about $ 39,000, which is significantly higher as compared to other regions in the world.
Another subject worth mention is that of a typical Australian (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Australia is comprised of a mix of people drawn from all walks of life and who have different religious and cultural backgrounds (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Prior to 1945, national census showed that Australia had 7 million people who were mainly Anglo-Celtic, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). However, after 1945, the number of immigrants has increased significantly leading the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islander people to be slightly over 550, 000 in a population of over 23 million people (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Nonetheless, there is no typical Australian because all people are allowed to express their thoughts openly and address whatever issue they intend to talk about directly. It is hard to stereotype Australian people because they stand for what they believe in.
In terms of language and English, some foreigners have termed some words that are commonly used in Australia as being colloquial (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). However, although English is the national language of Australia, there is a host of words used that are specific to Australia. All people in Australia are urged to learn English and to communicate using English, although other languages are embraced nationwide. Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2012) notes that there are over 200 languages spoken in Australia, especially in homes, which are never criticized. This means that although the national language is English, it is not compulsory to speak it. This culture of embracing cultural diversity is inherent to Australia’s way of life. This makes the country to be culturally rich in language diversity. There are books that have been published that give definition of the colloquial and slang language used in Australia, with a good example being Macquarie Book of Slang (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012).
Australia has Christianity as the predominant religion (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Nonetheless, there is no official state religion in Australia. The Torres Strait Islander and the Aboriginal people have had their ancestral religion, which has been passed on from one generation to the next, and is estimated to be between 40,000 and 60,000 years old (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). As immigrants came from Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, so did their religious affiliations infiltrate the country. Nevertheless, Australia recognizes all religions to be equal and every person has the freedom to subscribe to whichever religious affiliation they chose (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). However, all religions must adhere to the rule of the law, which means that a person or a group cannot go committing crimes in the name of religion and evade the long arm of the law. Additionally, Australians can opt not to be associated to any religion (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012).
Australia also thrives in the richness of arts and other cultural events. Australia is culturally dynamic; therefore, people can display their cultural elements in the open (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Additionally, about 88 % of all adults in the country visit at least one artistic event in a year (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). This means that the country has embraced diversity in cultural and artistic experiences. These artistic experiences include rich mosaic works, performing and visual arts, which are shown in art, dances, films, theatre, and music among others (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Out of these forms, the most popular is film, with an example being The Sapphires. Painting and literature traditions are other forms embraced and used to convey messages concerning contemporary Australia (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012).
Australia has a strong sporting culture, which they cherish to watch or participate (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Over 11 million Australians who are over 15 years of age participate in some form of sports or physical activities (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). This accounts for over 70 % of adults.
Australia has a unique set of cuisine that is drawn from regions like Italy, China, Japan, Thai, France, Indonesia, Greek, Malay and Vietnam (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). The number of immigrants makes this possible as they bring with them their national cuisines; hence, making Australia home to a dynamic amount of dinner cuisine choices.
All Australians are required to abide by state and international laws failure to which a person is liable to prosecution or civil action (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Although there are numerous laws, a large majority is offered in the form of guidelines.
In terms of clothing, Australia does not have a national apparel; therefore, people can wear what they chose based on their beliefs and weather condition (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012). Some jobs require official dressing while others do not have a specific dressing code. Nonetheless, ethical dressing is recommended, although weather conditions tend to dictate the wear people will embrace at any given time. All these factors show that Australia is an egalitarian community that embraces diversity without imposing certain aspect in the lives of individuals or communities.
Social Factors that cab Produce Unequal Life Chances in Contemporary Australian
Several factors have been shown to contribute to unequal life chances in contemporary Australia. First, the housing a person is brought up in shows unequal life chances (Johnson & Kossykh 2008). Some Australians live in unsanitary houses that are leaking and have poor drainage and sewerage systems. Such individuals may not afford some basic life requirements, unlike their counterparts who live on better houses.
The second factor is access to quality education (Johnson & Kossykh 2008). Although the Australian government has made massive strides in improving the quality of education in the country, there are those who cannot afford personalized education. This means that their ability to compete in the job market is challenged; therefore, unequal chances in life.
The third factor is access to quality health service (Johnson & Kossykh 2008). Some people can access quality health services because they have medical covers that allow them to access such facilities, or they have enough money and can afford to seek specialized treatment irrespective of the cost associated with the treatment and intervention. In contrast, some people cannot access these facilities, especially those living in rural areas and they have to put up with the little health care intervention they can afford or is available in their region. This offers unequal life opportunities for such people.
The other factor is disability (Johnson & Kossykh 2008). In this case, although Australia has a strong policy that supports the disabled in the community, there are certain job descriptions that a disabled person cannot do. For instance, a person without hands or legs cannot be expected to be given a job to install BTS antennas or construct high-rise buildings and structures. This means that disability offers a limited career choice for such individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Australia is an egalitarian community that embraces diversity. However, to ensure cross-cultural integration, the government urges people to learn English as their national language, and to display their cultures in whichever form. It is clear that several factors lead to unequal chances and they include disability, housing, education, and access to quality health services.
References
Argy, F. 2005, ‘Is Australia’s egalitarian society slipping away?’, Centre for Policy Development, viewed 8 October 2013, http://cpd.org.au/2005/05/is-australias-egalitarian-society-slipping-away/
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2012, About Australia: People, Culture and lifestyle, viewed 8 October 2013, <http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/people_culture.html>
Gerth, H. & Mills, CW 1954, Character and Social Structure, Routledge and Kegan Paul, London.
Johnson, P. & Kossykh, Y 2008, Early Years, Life Chances and Equality: A Literature Review, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Manchester.
