Research Projects
Critical Theory and Social Hope
Applying The Ethics Of Recognition: Work And The Social Bond
A/Prof Nicholas Smith; Dr Jean-Philippe Deranty – ARC Discovery
What is it that binds individuals together in society? How are those bonds affected by the work we do? This project in social philosophy proposes that in modern societies at least, individuals need to be connected through relationships of mutual recognition. It demonstrates that such relationships penetrate all levels of modern society - the economy as much as culture and the family - and it shows in particular that expectations of recognition reach deep into the world of work. The project combines conceptual analysis with an examination of recent empirical studies to offer a new interpretation of the moral significance of work, and it elevates changes in work by reference to the standard of mutual recognition.
Autonomy and Identity: A Relational Theory
A/Prof Catriona Mackenzie - ARC Discovery
Autonomy is widely regarded as an important value in liberal democratic societies and underpins many of the basic rights and legal protections enjoyed by citizens. The principle of respect for autonomy is a guiding ethical principle in a range of areas, including in medical and legal contexts, for example in requirements regarding informed consent, and in ethical guidelines governing protocols for research involving human subjects. A better understanding of autonomy and its relationship to the social context has the potential to produce indirect socio-economic benefits by informing theory and practice in these and other areas.
Migration, Multiculturalism and Nation
Tibetan Mentoring Project
Amanda Wise - Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, Northern Beaches TAFE, Manly Community Centre
This research project involves an evaluation of a new refugee settlement initiative. The program to be evaluated involves a mentoring program where twelve Tibetan refugee families are matched with Mentors living in the local area (long term Australian permanent residents or citizens). The program stems from feedback from the Tibetan families that one of the most important settlement needs they have is assistance to ‘get to know the locals’ and help in understanding and fitting into the local community.
Building Neighbourhood Harmony Phase Two: Online Resource: Anti-Racism Strategies for Local Government
Amanda Wise - Department of Immigration and Citizenship
This project builds on ‘Phase One’ of Building Neighbourhood Harmony. To enhance the ability of local governments around Australia to foster community harmony, ‘Phase Two’ of the project involves the development of a website resource for local councils. The website will include case studies from Phase One, up to 50 downloadable profiles of initiatives around Australia, links to resources, and a ‘dos and don’ts’ advice page.
Community Harmony & Muslim-Australians: research into community based strategies to improve relations between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians
Amanda Wise - Department of Immigration and Citizenship
The events of September 11, Bali, London, and more recently the Cronulla riots have created a climate of anxiety, fear and tension between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians. Local government and local grassroots organisations are well placed to play a role in fostering better relations between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians. This project involves research into initiatives which promote positive inter-religious and inter-ethnic engagement at the local level. It involves an Australia-wide audit of community based and local government activities, an international audit of best-practice, and approximately ten case studies involving interviews with participants of initiatives in Australia. Our aim is to gain insights into ‘what works’ and how to engage Australians not normally involved or interested in such activities.
Cronulla Community Forum
Amanda Wise – NSW Community Relations Commission
The Cronulla riots of December 2005 were a watershed for Australian multiculturalism, marking a worrying turning point in community relations in this country. Government and community groups responded by implementing numerous initiatives to deal with the causes and impacts of the riots. This project involves research with government and community organisations and groups to determine what initiatives have been implemented since December 2005, to identify successes, establish what might have been done better and highlight where the gaps are.
Cronulla Research Database
CRSI has been invited by the Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW to compile a database of all research undertaken on the Cronulla riots.
To access the database, click here (password required. To apply for a password, contact crsi@scmp.mq.edu.au)
Transnational Affect and the Moral Economies of Temporary Skilled Migration of South Indians to Australia
Dr Selvaraj Velayutham & Dr Amanda Wise – ARC Discovery
This project will critically examine the experience of temporary skilled Indian migrants to Australia. It aims to develop insights into the cultural and social impacts of temporary migration from the perspective of the temporary skilled migrant, and in terms of their impact on the Australian social and cultural landscape. The research will explore in particular, how gender and temporary visa status shape their experiences of migration, decisions on settlement, family reunion, and engagement with Australian society and everyday life. The project employs ‘masculinities’, ‘affect’, ‘the visa’ and ‘temporariness’ as conceptual frames to analyse the experience from the migrant perspective of this major new shift in Australian multicultural policy. Theories of diaspora, transnationalism, embodiment, affect and gender are central.
Building Neighbourhood Harmony Phase One : Strategies for Local Government
Dr Amanda Wise - Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs Living in Harmony Partnership
This partnership project explores the role of local government interventions to combat racism and improve interethnic relations at the neighbourhood level and to build sustainable 'community' across and between different ethnic communities in local contexts. It involves a number of components in partnership with three councils around Australia; Ashfield, Canning (WA), and Griffith (NSW). Extensive ethnographic and interview based research was conducted as case studies in Griffith and Canning to explore the localised dynamics of interethnic relations in those areas. In Ashfield, where preliminary fieldwork had already been conducted, the project involves trialling a number of new strategies for strengthening relations between Anglo-and non Anglo Ashfield residents. Community based reference groups were established in each of these areas to guide the research. The project also includes a national survey of local councils on the new strategies they are using to strengthen interethnic relations within their local areas. The project will result in a report and a range of intervention models suitable for deployment by councils around Australia. More...
Comparative Ethnic Concentrations
Professor Michael Poulsen - British Academy
This project focuses on comparative research into the geography of ethnic segregation/concentration within the United Kingdom and Australia 1991-2001. There are three reasons why we undertake these studies. First, the comparative approach to the geography of segregation/concentration is important in that the differences between nations are under-researched. Secondly, those differences are important in that they allow us to achieve greater understanding of what is happening within our own countries. Thirdly, working on comparative studies allows us to operate at and network at the international level. This project has involved applying the Poulsen, Johnston and Forrest typology to classify data on census area into one of six types. Those types involve a continuum extending from "white citadels" at one end, through "areas of mix", to areas of "extreme ethnic polarisation". By applying this methodology to two censuses (1991 and 2001) we achieve a set of measures that will inform us about changes in ethnic segregation/concentration over time. Given these are the same measures in both countries we are able to undertake comparative evalations of the geography of segregation/concentration.
Cultural Diversity, Community and Family Services: Experiences among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse parents of local early childhood services
Dr Amanda Wise; A/Prof Michael Fine, and Ms Kylie Sait – ARC Linkage
The evidence is clear that strong communities and effective early intervention strategies play a key role in preventing social disadvantage later in a child's life. Through the provision of high quality training to a doctoral student, this project will have significant benefits at many levels of policy and government. Local, state and federal governments and family service providers will have the opportunity to see the effectiveness of their services on parents over an extended period of time and to learn from the project about new strategies that may be deployed to assist culturally diverse families in their communities.
Geographies of racism in Australia
Professor Jim Forrest (with Kevin Dunn)
In 2001 a database on racist attitudes was collected, using a telephone survey (5056 sample). A key finding from the Racism project is that while racism is quite prevalent in Australian society its occurrences differ from place to place. These variations have been largely overlooked by anti-racism campaigns in Australia. The findings show that most Australians recognise that racism is a problem in society. Racist attitudes are positively associated with age, non-tertiary education, and to a slightly lesser extent with those who do not speak a language other than English, the Australia-born, and with males.
Measuring and mapping the experience of racism in Australia
A/Prof Jim Forrest (with Dr Kevin Dunn & Dr R Pe-Pua)
This is the first empirical assessment of the circumstances and frequency of the experience of racism in Australia. A telephone survey, 12000 respondents, and fieldwork in ten localities, are the major method. Spatial and social variations in the experience of racism will be analysed. Social construction theory will be tested as an explanation of such variations. Regional anti-racism packages will be developed and tested in the field. Decision-support tools for local authorities and communities to combat racism will be provided. A unique racism database will underpin a scholarly monograph, doctoral dissertation and a series of refereed articles.
The Geography of Ethnic Group Segregation in Australia, 1966-2001
Professor Michael Poulsen
Comprehensive analysis of the nature and dynamics of ethnic group segregation and assimilation in Australian cities and non-urban areas during much of the post-WW2 period is an under-researched area. Overseas work in OECD countries indicates strengthening of structural spatial divisions and of walls separating ethnic groups from each other and from the 'host' society. Yet the evidence for Australia, a quintessentially immigrant country suggests we have the lowest levels of ethnic group segregation among OECD countries. This project uses an innovative methodology developed by the authors to assess and compare change over time and place to test the validity of ideas about the uniqueness of the Australian experience urban ethnic group experience in our multicultural society.
The Postcolonial World and Globalisation
The Changing Context of HIV Vulnerability, Prevention and Treatment amongst Ethnic Groups in Northern Thailand and Laos
Dr Chris Lyttleton - MQRDG
In Thailand, roughly 500,000 have died from AIDS and almost as many are HIV-infected, prompting large-scale drug treatment programs. Across the border in Laos, less than 2,000 people are known to have HIV, but infection is increasing especially amongst marginalized groups. In both instances, ethnic minority groups are disadvantaged in provision of services to lessen impact of HIV/AIDS. This study will consider how ethnicity structures vulnerability and ability to seek assistance as well as design and delivery of HIV/AIDS programs in the upper Mekong. It will provide the basis for improved programming in prevention and care and support programs.
Impact of Cross-Border Mobility on HIV Vulnerability and AIDS Treatment along New Economic Corridors in the Upper Mekong
Dr Chris Lyttleton - AusAID Australian Development Research Award
New transport corridors are central to development plans in the Greater Mekong Subregion that anticipate economic and social integration and dramatically increased movement across borders. However, we do not know whether the intersection of highly mobile populations with local communities in previously remote areas coupled with rapid changes within local livelihood economies will further increase levels of HIV/AIDS spread. This ethnographic research will assess to what extent greater mobility increases sexual and drug-related HIV vulnerability in newly integrated border zones of China, Lao PDR, Thailand and Burma and creates shortfalls within existing national AIDS treatment capacities. It will identify changing ‘hot-zone’ areas in the Upper Mekong and uncover social dynamics caused by accelerated movement and uneven economic growth that create heightened HIV risk and/or inadequate access to AIDS treatment in specific sub-populations
Inclusion and Exclusion in Urban and Regional Spaces
Social Data Mapping for the City of Ryde
Frank Siciliano
The project will develop and further enhance City of Ryde’s statistical information and data mapping capability through the collation and analysis of available data. The project will enhance the quality and usability of information with a particular focus on improving council’s social planning processes.
Geographies of Resistance
Professor Bob Fagan (with Dr Scott Sharpe, UNSW ADFA) - ARC Discovery
This project explores contemporary responses to economic, social and cultural aspects of globalisation, often termed ‘resistance’ by participants. Such responses are often represented as occurring at global, national and local scales. The research contrasts institutionalised and non-institutionalised responses to aspects of globalisation through four case studies. These are chosen from: first, the Australian banana industry where local producer organisations have built a national campaign designed to resist negative impacts of globalisation on banana-growing regions; second, the Australian trade union movement and their attempts to resist national industrial relations changes legitimised in the name of globalisation; third, highly publicised protests in Australian cities portrayed as being part of a transnational ‘anti-globalisation’ movement; and fourth, spontaneous internet-based forms of resistance known as ‘culture jamming’. The research contributes to better understanding of multiscalar relationships in strategies of resistance but also illuminates the nature of globalisation itself.
New Regionalism and the Dynamics of Local Economies
Professor Bob Fagan (with Dr Matthew Tonts, UWA and Professor Michael Taylor, University of Birmingham) - ARC Discovery
‘New regionalism’ has become a popular a development perspective, emerging primarily from Western Europe, emphasising the social and institutional drivers of local economic change in an era of globalisation. Over the past decade, new regionalism has become prominent in both the rhetoric and practice of regional development policy in Australia. Despite its popularity, little detailed research exists on the extent to which this approach is relevant in the Australian context and can contribute to equitable social and economic development of urban and regional spaces. This project explores the dynamics of economic change in contrasting case study regions of NSW and Western Australia. It focuses on the embeddedness of key local firms in local and non-local networks, institutional frameworks and local labour market dynamics.
Practicing Development: a Red Cross Strategy towards Capacity Building, Social Mobilisation and Collaboration
Dr Rochelle Spencer (with Dr Amanda Wise; A/Prof Michael Fine; Prof Robert Fagan; A/Prof Kevin McCracken; Dr Robyn Dowling; A/Prof Richard Howitt; A/Prof Kathryn Millard
Working closely with the Australian Red Cross this research will address the issue of long term community capacity building, bringing together new theoretical insights with practice. At the moment we are considering monitoring and evaluating three broad areas of
Red Cross Community Service activity by designing a longitudinal and ethnographic research project around:
- Social isolation - ways in which Red Cross programs contribute to the reduction of social isolation among different vulnerable groups throughout Australia.
- Volunteerism - the contribution volunteers make to the social fabric through their efforts in building bridges back into community for vulnerable groups across Australia.
- Youth engagement - innovative ways to engage young people in the Red Cross movement and how to capture a younger generation's interest in volunteering through a functional approach.
Welfare, Care and Social Policy
Alzheimer's Association of NSW Phase Two
A/Prof Michael Fine
The objective of the NSW Quality Support Groups Research Project is to improve our understanding of the operation and structure of support groups for carers of people with dementia in NSW, for the purpose of enhancing current practice. The outcome of this research will be a clearer understanding of what constitutes quality support groups, in both process and content, and how this can be achieved. In Partnership with NSW Alzheimer's Association Dr Michael Fine will undertake a second stage study of carers support (self-help) groups in NSW. Stage one involved survey based audit of care groups. Stage two involves qualitative research analysing a series in-depth interviews with these groups.
Department of Housing Neighbourhood Aid Evaluation
A/Prof Michael Fine and Dr Armen Gakavian
This project involves an evaluation of two innovative pilot Neighbour Aid projects which offer low-level support services to people living in Public Housing who are older or have a disability. One, auspiced by the Gladesville Community Aid and Information Service, covers the Blandville Court estate in Gladesville. The other, covering the Redfern, Surry Hills and Waterloo housing estates, is managed by the Redfern and Inner City Home Support Service. The project involves evaluating the success of the two social support projects after their first year of operation, to inform the Department of Housing’s future decisions on the application of Neighbour Aid programs based on the principles of low level social support and active volunteering; assisting assisting in the development of principles develop principles for setting the boundary between low-level support services suitable for delivery by volunteers, and support services to be delivered by specialised professional support services in a social housing setting; identifying alternative models for delivering low-level support services to reduce social isolation, strengthen informal networks and increase community participation in Public Housing estates; and making recommendations make recommendations regarding the future of the partnership arrangement and its potential to inform future schedules under the NSW Housing and Human Services Accord.
Transnational Care: Migration, demography and care work
This project is concerned with three fundamental developments shaping social life in 21stC Australia: 1. the unprecedented demographic shift represented by the ageing of the population; 2. the need for care arising from the support needs of an older population and the rising demand for child care; and 3. the changing patterns of global migration and shifts in the demand for immigrant labour. The convergence of these trends means that Australia (like comparable countries) must sustain a much older population in which increasing numbers of people will be unable to care for themselves at the same time as greater calls will need to be made on the economic contributions of the decreasing population of working age. Focussing on aged care only, the one year project will concentrate on two key research tasks: 1) the analysis of existing secondary data sources on formal and informal care to better identify the extent and distribution of migrant workers in the field of aged care than is presently possible. Specifically this will involve a detailed reanalysis of the Unit Record File (URF) data from the NILs (2003) study, detailed analysis of ABS workforce data, ABS data on (informal) carers, and data from a number of other administrative sources we have identified; and undertaking a modest number of exploratory interviews with migrant care workers, service providers and policy makers.