Social inclusion and exclusion

social exclusion broad definition

involves a lack of ability to participate in all aspects of society

social mobility definition

the ability of individuals and groups to move vertically within a social hierachy with changes in income, occupation and so on.

Social class definition

those members of society who occupy a similar position in the economic system of production. The different social classes experience Wide variations in wealth, status, material possessions, education, power and authority. The hierarchical nature of the class system is divided into labels such as ‘upper class’, ‘middle class’, ‘lower middle class’ and working class. While the division of society into a series of social classes is a form of social stratification, social mobility is possible.

Socio-economic status.

a measure of an individual’s class standing, typically indicated by income, occupational prestige, educational attainment and wealth

Life course

a culturally defined sequence of age categories through which people are usually expected to pass as they progress from birth to death.

’race’

a social construction, the members of which are treated as distinct or different on the basis of certain characteristics, some biological ,that have been assigned a social value by others.

Ethnicity

an individuals identification with, or sense of belonging to an ethnic group. Based on perceived common origins that people share, such as a specific ancestry and culture that mark them as different from others.

Social diffrentiation

as society becomes more complex, differences between groups are used to distinguish between them. These differences may be based on biological or physical differences, such as gender or ethnicity, or sociocultural differences, such as class or status. These criteria diide society into social groups on the basis of personal differences between groups

equality

occurs when individuals and groups within a society have the same chances of access to education, wealth, power, equal rights under the law and so on. True social equality occurs when there is social mobility and access to opportunities and resources that are socially valued.

pluralism definition

a multi-ethnic nation-state wherein the subgroups do not assimilate but remain essentially distinct in relatively stable coexistence and involves having a two-way dialouge between a plethora of belief systems, ethnictiesand cltures within society

Examples of pluralism

• the existence of a diverse ragne of subgroups in Australian society - ex: LGBTQ, religious groups, different ethniic groups

• institutions that support pluralism - ex: SBS radio - broadcasts in a variety of langugages + varying amount of religious institutions

similarities between differnet cultural groups

• all countries have similarities such as national identities, flags, anthems, cultures and leadership figures

• All countries across the world have populations with differences in age, sexualities, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, migration status, socioeconomic status and gender identity

• Human rights are upheld in the Australian constitution- all people in australia have the right to vote, own property, access employment and to access religious cultural freedoms

cultural universals - similarities

• Representation of culture in symbols and artefacts

• Set of values and ethics

• Levels of organisation and hierachy

• Norms, laws and governance to help regulate society

• Language and other forms of communication

• Belief systems

specifiic similairties - colonisation

• Countries that have been colonised, such as those part of the commonwealth have more similarities with eachother due to the common experience of having Britain as their host nation for a period of time

• These countries have similar legal, educational and political system

• Some even have similarities in sports and food (ex: cricket as a common sport played by commonwealth countries)

similarities - UNDHR

• in 1948 the universal declaration of human rights set out 30 fundamental rights to be upheld by all governments

• Individual rights and freedoms are better protected and upheld

• Creates similarities and differences between people so cultural difference should not dictate the treatment people receive from all levels of government and society

Differences

• Different symbols of culture

• Difference in values and ethical codes or moral conduct

• Different levels of organisation and hierachy

• Different norms, law and governance

• Different forms of communication, such as verbal and non-verbal

• Different levels of application of human rights

Why differences between groups can occur

• access to education

• Socioeconomic status

• Family structures

• House and dwelling perferences

• Relationship status

• Voting patterns and political ideologies

• Understanding of the legal system

• First language and language spoken at home

social diffrentiation example - Palama ratio

• measures the income share of the richest 10% compared to the poorest 40%

• In most countries te middle class hold around 50% of the income and the other half is held by the richest 10% and the poorest 40%

• Higher the ratio, higher the inequality

• Australia - 3.3 vs brazil 11.50 - Brazil has large income gap between rich and poor the richest 5% of the population earning as much as the remaining 95%

Australia - similarities and differences.

• 30% decline in the share of wealth held by the bottom 40% of Australians since 2024

• Almost 20% of australians live in financial stress

• Over 40% of lower-income renter households living in housing stress

• 79% agree the gap between poor and rich australians is too big (ABC australia talks survey)

socially valued resources definition

resources in society that enable full and equal participation in society. Socially valued resources are expected and enjoyed by members of society as they ensure that there are equal opportunities to access facilities and resources

What are the 6 SVRs

Housing, education, the justice system, employment, healthcare, technologies

Australia - SVRS

Expected in australia because it is a signatory to charters such as the ICCPR, UDHR and they are also protected in the Australian constitution

SVRs in australia - housing

• under aus law, everyone has the right to purchase or rent housing

• Adequate standard of living is required to ensure safety, security and the wellbeing of a person

• Subsided housing is available for people that cannot afford housing

SVRs in australia - education

• Targeted funding, inclusive education policies, alternative learning pathways 

• Indigenous education: Closing the gap in school education program - targeted funding to increase First Nations enrolment, engagement, and support through partnerships with peak bodies and foundations

• Those with disabilities: Inclusion support program, Disability and Inclusion program focuses on early childhood services building capacity, and assisting preschools in supporting children with high learning needs 

• Geographical and financial barriers: Assistance for Isolated Children scheme - provides financial aid for parents who can’t access a local state school Socio-economic barriers: Needs-based Funding and FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses to help underrepresented cohorts access and prepare for university

SVRs in australia - the Justice system

• Equal access to a fair and just trial - right to public representation if cannot provide out of own means (however, only applies to serious indictable offences)

• Rule of law - ensures no one is above the law 

• Legal aid commission - ensures that all groups of society are provided access to the law - however there are 3 tests required to access it 

• only 8% of the 14% of people living under the poverty line can access legal aid

• Specific measures taken to ensure equitable punishment for indigenous individuals - youth Koori courts - alternative sentence for indigenous youth to address the large number of indigenous youth in juvenile detention 

• However, the YKC don’t have many locations - 2 in greater sydney and one in Dubbo - exclusion based on rural/regioal