What Does the 2021 Census Tell Us About Cultural Diversity in Our Society?
As we move forward into a new decade, it’s essential to understand the key changes that have taken place in our society. One of the most significant and perhaps overlooked changes is the growing cultural diversity that exists in our communities. The 2021 Census provides valuable insights into this trend, making it an excellent time to explore what these changes mean for us.
Introduction
The 2021 Census found that Australia had a population of 25.7 million people, including 13.4 million males and 12.3 million females, and 2.5% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. A fascinating fact about the 2021 Census was the number of people born overseas that have made Australia their home. These individuals have diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and have chosen Australia as a place to live and call home. The census reported that 7.7 million Australians (29.7%) were born overseas, and more than 300 languages are spoken at home.
Body
The Census shows that cultural diversity is a growing trend in our society. The data tells us that the largest number of migrants were from India (701,000), China (651,000), and England (318,000). These three countries represent 36% of those born overseas. The data also shows that the overseas-born population has more than doubled since 1981.
Cultural diversity brings different perspectives, skills, and knowledge to societies. This diversity enriches the way we live, work and socialize with others. Cultural diversity has attributes that provide powerful potential benefits to individuals, communities and even the economy. The 2021 Census demonstrates how our society can benefit from diversity by breaking down multiculturalism and accounting for cultural diversity in unemployment rates, educational outcomes, social networking, and civic participation.
Educational Outcomes:
The 2021 Census highlights how education is essential to improving outcomes for recently arrived migrants. The Census found that 81% of people born overseas who arrived in the last five years had a non-school qualification. Additionally, 22% of these individuals had a bachelor’s degree or higher—almost double the rate of the Australian-born population. The data suggests that migrants to Australia are highly educated, and many have skills in demand.
Unemployment Rates:
The Census also shows that the unemployment rate of the overseas-born population is higher than that of the Australian-born population and also much higher for particular migrant groups. The unemployment rate for those from the Middle East and North Africa region was 13% compared to the Australian-born rate of 5.3%. This insight provides an opportunity for policymakers and employers to focus on the need for higher-skilled workers, particularly among new migrants.
Social Networking:
Social networking is essential for all communities, and a diverse population fosters social interaction by enabling migrants to connect with people of similar cultural backgrounds to their own and Australian-born individuals. The data shows that those born overseas and Australian-born both participate similarly in social networking activities at 84% and 83%, respectively.
Civic Participation:
The Census also provides insights into civic participation among the overseas-born population. The Census found those born overseas were more likely than the Australian-born population to participate in voluntary work (35% compared to 19%). Furthermore, they were more likely to participate in civic organizations (21% compared to 13%).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2021 Census demonstrates the growing cultural diversity in our society. We can appreciate the unique perspective and richness that comes with such diversity, creating an opportunity for individuals, communities and even the economy. This data displays how policy and lack of recognition of qualified skills affect the overseas-born population. It also highlights the progress that has been made in recent years regarding social interaction, civic engagement and education. Finally, it is a reminder that although we have come a long way in the last few decades, much more work needs to be done in addressing certain migrant group’s unemployment rates and acknowledging their qualified skills.
