Communities in Australia - Report Example

Communities in Australia Name Institution Communities in Australia Introduction Many scholars have described the precise meaning of a community and what makes up a community. In their definition, there are similarities such as common belief or interests that bring them together. In Australia, people are informally divided into two, based on their geographical originality. The two broad groups of people are the aboriginal and non Aboriginal communities. Aboriginals are the indigenous inhabitants of Australia including the natives who belong to races which first settled on the mainland and in Torres Strait Island. On the other hand, non aboriginal communities are people who are not indigenous in the nation. These are mainly the migrants and their descendants. Even though these people are found all over Australia, they dominate other regions of the continent except the Torres Strait Island and the mainland (Altman & Hickson, 2010). These two communities have a varied perspective of a community and community strength and what essentially makes up their communities. This paper will describe the different communities, their similarities and differences from different perspectives. Definition Of a Community What a community is has changed in meaning over decades. This has given rise to all sort of explanations that defines a community. According to George Wood and Juan Judikis, a community can precisely be defined as a set of people who possess a general interest or purpose and assume a shared responsibility, recognize their oneness, respect personal differences and commit themselves to the welfare and integrity of each other as well as a group. In another account, Altman and Hickson, (2010) define a community as a group of individuals living more often than not in the same geographical area, regardless of their diversity. These are people who have transcended their differences hence enabling them to communicate openly and effectively and at the same time work together towards common goals. People who make up a community share many characteristics, including cultures, norms, notions and therefore respect similar values. Both definitions agree that a community is formed by people with the same way of thinking or purpose. They agree on the diversity that exists among people and how they choose to coexist harmoniously despite their differences. The major difference between the two definitions is in the fact that the latter definition is more elaborate as it tackles the geographical location of a possible community hence more inclusive as compared to the former which seems superficial. Besides, another difference emanates from the fact that the first definition has aspects of goals and purpose. According to the authors, people who make up a community claim mutual responsibilities which act as a driving force behind their social lives and therefore lifestyle. This is also the only difference that manifests in both definitions of a community. However, according to Taylor et al., (2008), it is evident that even though geographical location of a community is important, the social interaction of people in their working together is the main substance that makes and defines a community. From the two definitions, the first one appears more preferable due to the fact that it presents a community in both a general as well as specific perspective. Definition of Community Strength Moreover, not only do various authors differ in what a community is, but also what is meant by community strength. As a result, Professors Hughes and Professors Black from Edith Cowan University conducted a survey where their findings reported that community strength refers to “the extent to which resources and processes within a community maintain and enhance both individual and collective well being in ways that are consistent with equity, comprehensiveness, participation, self-reliance and social responsibility” (Thompson, Grev & Param, 2008). In the same vein, Philip Atkinson describes community strength as the power that a community has due to positive values that are upheld and respected by the diverse groups of people who make the community. Atkinson asserts that community strength is the ability or capacity of a community at large to execute projects or achieve a goal. The major similarities between the two definitions lie in factors that bring about community strength. The two definitions agree that there are some factors or processes which must exist for community strength to prevail. These factors are depicted to be determined by the positive aspects in the community. Some of the positive factors include the desire to live peacefully and reach a certain goal which will benefit the entire community. In addition, both definitions reflect on aspects of social responsibility; thus, for community strength to be achieved, all people should join hands and work towards the same direction. Some differences which are noted in the two descriptions of community strength include the fact that while the first definition points out consistency to be a crucial aspect in ensuring community strength, the second definition does not comment on consistency but only social responsibility and positive relations among people in a community . As well, the first definition is comprehensive as it encompasses various aspects. According to the author, community strength is determined by processes which are activities that take place in a community and resources which are available or circulate in the specific geographical location. On the contrary, the second definition is straightforward and it only points out values that exist among people to be key in determining the power and capacity of a community. The first definition is more comprehensive and therefore inclusive of various factors which determine community strength. This makes it more preferable as it takes into account all factors. Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal Perspective Of a Community In Australian setting, aboriginal is derived from Latin meaning the ‘original inhabitants’. Aboriginal people are described as one of the oldest and most ancient cultures of the world (Voigt‐Graf, 2004). In Australia, this word is used to refer to people inhabiting the mainland and the Torres Strait Islanders. This community occupies the remote northern territory of Australia along the margins of white societies. Aboriginal social practices are based on aboriginal wisdom which combines cultural, social, spiritual and physical knowledge. From an Aboriginal person point of view, this community involves intertwining of kinship, responsibility and land. According to Colic-Peisker, (2009), kinship in aboriginal is important since it is linked to Aboriginal law, spirituality and all aspects of their lives. This governs their social interaction, especially marriage (Commonagenet, 2010). Traditionally, all their mother’s sisters were considered their mothers and all their mother’s brothers were regarded as their fathers. There is a spiritual connection to country and to people with every individual having their own place. The sense of having a place creates a sense of belonging and security which is essentially one of the main aims of a community. Contrary to popular belief that the land occupied by the Australian Aboriginal belonged to no one, it actually belonged to them (MrBigrollin, 2012). According to findings by Rachael Cummins’, It is clear that throughout the battle for land rights which was centered around the claims of Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander was able to demonstrate continuous ownership of his own peoples’ land. This was made possible by their system of recording land titles. The Aboriginals had a local community of association for meeting common needs to express common interest and a full structure and power network that brought them together to solve development problems of their community (Abdelkerim & Grace, 2012). To pass on their culture and ideologies, they had communal narratives that they shared along in different times of their history. Mainstream Australia, made up of mainly migrants or descendants of migrants, has its own communities that differ from the Aboriginal community. The aboriginals occupy the northern geographical part of Australia while the rest of the community occupies the remaining part. The language of communication is mostly English and Italian (Mccrindleresearch, 2012). Mainstream Australians have a form of well structured government as well as a flag and national anthem which they identify with. Their vertical interaction or rather how they interact with the outside world is extensive, contrary to the Aboriginals who mostly interact among themselves. These two communities differ in a number of ways. The aboriginals are usually sidelined with a lot of prejudice and stereotypes. Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal Perspective Of Community Strength Despite the changes that exist today, communities still remain in the central role. Community strength across all non Aboriginal and Aboriginal communities is maintained by the sense of belonging that is created (Kilkkinen et al., 2007). For Aboriginals, community is mainly made up of blood relations and tribes. However, the non Aboriginal communities vary from those made up from geographical locations of interest groups that bring together individuals to form a community. The Aboriginals are a proud community that cares for all of their individual members. In spite of occupying the same geographical location, there exists a lot of inequalities (NowThis, 2015). In terms of health, Aboriginal population life expectancy is lower compared to non Aboriginal Australians. For women, they live nine and a half years less compared to their counterpart population. The situation is even worse for men as they live eleven and a half years less than their other male population (Thompson, Greville & Param, 2008). In addition to the difference in life expectancy, most young Australians do not go to prison during their lifetime. Criminology report presented to the federal government suggests that indigenous population of the same age group is twenty one times more likely to face detention. In terms of social infrastructure, it is varied across this community. Conclusion Aboriginal and non Aboriginal communities vary in the way they form their communities. The later form communities based on geographical locations and interest which are varied across the groups. For the Aboriginal, their community is basically made up of family relations and culture that binds them together. There exist disparities in the two different communities despite them occupying the same geographical location presently. Various communities across Australia differ in their strengths and characteristics. The aboriginal community is to a greater extent sidelined and hence suffers from prejudice and discrimination. Contrary to the differences that exist among them, the Aboriginal community is largely considered to be homogenous in nature. References Abdelkerim, A. A., & Grace, M. (2012). Challenges to employment in newly emerging African communities in Australia: A review of the literature. Australian Social Work, 65(1), 104-119. Altman, J. C., & Hickson, M. (2010). Culture crisis: Anthropology and politics in Aboriginal Australia. Colic-Peisker, V. (2009). Visibility, settlement success and life satisfaction in three refugee communities in Australia. Ethnicities, 9(2), 175-199. Kilkkinen, A., Kao‐Philpot, A., O'neil, A., Philpot, B., Reddy, P., Bunker, S., & Dunbar, J. (2007). Prevalence of psychological distress, anxiety and depression in rural communities in Australia. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 15(2), 114-119. Thompson, S. C., Greville, H. S., & Param, R. (2008). Beyond policy and planning to practice: getting sexual health on the agenda in Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. Australia and New Zealand health policy, 5(1), 3. Voigt‐Graf, C. (2004). Towards a geography of transnational spaces: Indian transnational communities in Australia. Global networks, 4(1), 25-49. Videos Commonagenet. (Uploaded on Mar 7, 2010). Australian indigenous Culture. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg1TEzn7Fyk. Retrieved 10/04/2017. Mccrindleresearch. (2012). Australian Communities. McCrindle Research. Published on Nov 14, 2012. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luh1uOyfcw8. Retrieved 11/04/2017. MrBigrollin. (June 8, 2012). Australian Aborigines. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqkgKkW8o6E . Retrieved 11/04/2017. NowThis. (June 11, 2015). Who Are Australia's Aboriginal People?Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpAS5f4TjNw . Retrieved 11/04/2017. . Read More

According to the author, community strength is determined by processes which are activities that take place in a community and resources which are available or circulate in the specific geographical location. On the contrary, the second definition is straightforward and it only points out values that exist among people to be key in determining the power and capacity of a community. The first definition is more comprehensive and therefore inclusive of various factors which determine community strength.

This makes it more preferable as it takes into account all factors. Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal Perspective Of a Community In Australian setting, aboriginal is derived from Latin meaning the ‘original inhabitants’. Aboriginal people are described as one of the oldest and most ancient cultures of the world (Voigt‐Graf, 2004). In Australia, this word is used to refer to people inhabiting the mainland and the Torres Strait Islanders. This community occupies the remote northern territory of Australia along the margins of white societies.

Aboriginal social practices are based on aboriginal wisdom which combines cultural, social, spiritual and physical knowledge. From an Aboriginal person point of view, this community involves intertwining of kinship, responsibility and land. According to Colic-Peisker, (2009), kinship in aboriginal is important since it is linked to Aboriginal law, spirituality and all aspects of their lives. This governs their social interaction, especially marriage (Commonagenet, 2010). Traditionally, all their mother’s sisters were considered their mothers and all their mother’s brothers were regarded as their fathers.

There is a spiritual connection to country and to people with every individual having their own place. The sense of having a place creates a sense of belonging and security which is essentially one of the main aims of a community. Contrary to popular belief that the land occupied by the Australian Aboriginal belonged to no one, it actually belonged to them (MrBigrollin, 2012). According to findings by Rachael Cummins’, It is clear that throughout the battle for land rights which was centered around the claims of Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander was able to demonstrate continuous ownership of his own peoples’ land.

This was made possible by their system of recording land titles. The Aboriginals had a local community of association for meeting common needs to express common interest and a full structure and power network that brought them together to solve development problems of their community (Abdelkerim & Grace, 2012). To pass on their culture and ideologies, they had communal narratives that they shared along in different times of their history. Mainstream Australia, made up of mainly migrants or descendants of migrants, has its own communities that differ from the Aboriginal community.

The aboriginals occupy the northern geographical part of Australia while the rest of the community occupies the remaining part. The language of communication is mostly English and Italian (Mccrindleresearch, 2012). Mainstream Australians have a form of well structured government as well as a flag and national anthem which they identify with. Their vertical interaction or rather how they interact with the outside world is extensive, contrary to the Aboriginals who mostly interact among themselves.

These two communities differ in a number of ways. The aboriginals are usually sidelined with a lot of prejudice and stereotypes. Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal Perspective Of Community Strength Despite the changes that exist today, communities still remain in the central role. Community strength across all non Aboriginal and Aboriginal communities is maintained by the sense of belonging that is created (Kilkkinen et al., 2007). For Aboriginals, community is mainly made up of blood relations and tribes.

However, the non Aboriginal communities vary from those made up from geographical locations of interest groups that bring together individuals to form a community.

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