The Unfortunate Proof of an Underclass in Australian Society
The term myth is described as: a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone, especially: one embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of a society (Merriam-Webster, 1996). One of the most common myths in Australia that has existed for decades is that we live in an ‘classless’ or equal society. Even when we date back to the early 20th century, Australia was described as a fair country where everyone has an equal chance. ...
As we advance into the 21st century, though, more Australians are recognizing the divisions of society with social economically differences, but what many Australians fail to acknowledge is the growth of a new class in society, termed the ‘underclass.’ The underclass can be described as the group of society that falls below the working class and is often plagued with long-term unemployment. This class is especially unique in the fact that the groups of people who belong to the underclass are almost in a permanent state of poverty and have little chance of improving their lifestyle or socioeconomic standing. Another cause of concern is that the underclass, rather than shrinking, is growing larger as their offspring and generations to come are found in the same position as their parents. This issue of class division is becoming an issue in Australian society because it segregates and weakens equality among the people and as trends have shown in England and America, the underclass will persist and intensify without some type of intervention. Through documented research and statistics, one can see that the ‘underclass’ does actually exist in Australia’s society and will continue to grow if steps are not taken to modify the segregation found within ‘the land of equality’.
Before one is able to discuss the issue of ‘underclass’ in Australia, one must have general understanding of what is meant by the term ‘class.’ Sociology, the study of social transformation, strives to understand why the’ inherent’ trait of inequality plagues every global community, including Australia. ... Though Marx and Weber’s theories tend to be considered outdated, contemporary Australia still shows some signs of a capital-intensive economy controlled by individual and corporate owners.
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