Australians have a problem with trust, reports the latest Scanlon Foundation Mapping of Social Cohesion Survey by Professor Andrew Markus. Only 45% of survey respondents agreed that 'most people can be trusted,' a significantly lower finding than the 53% recorded by the first survey back in 2007.
Trust in political parties and trades unions is even lower, although we do still place 'a lot of trust' in our hospitals (53%), in our public schools (42%) and in the police (53%).
Overall, the 2013 survey shows levels of social cohesion have deteriorated since 2007 and that pessimism about life over the next three to four years has increased.
Social cohesion is an indicator of a general sense of belonging and a willingness to participate in the community. Mutual respect, a readiness to cooperate, and a sense of self-worth and satisfaction with life are all key elements, as is trust.
But it's not just trust levels that are falling. We are also becoming less tolerant of others. Levels of discrimination on the basis of race, religion or ethnic origin are at their highest since the 2007 benchmark.
In 2013, nearly 11% of us strongly disagreed that 'accepting immigrants from different countries makes Australia stronger,' up from just under 8% in 2007.
This doesn't mean we are no longer accepting of large-scale immigration. 'We are open to the world,' said Guardian Australia reporter David Marr, 'but we aren't as friendly anymore.'
And indeed while Aussies like to think of themselves as kind, caring and friendly people, these attributes were ranked last by immigrants.
When recent arrivals were asked what they liked least about Australia, the top three factors were: cost of living (23%); high taxes (19%); and racism and discrimination (17%).
But multiculturalism, whatever that term means, remains popular with 84% of us agreeing that 'multiculturalism has been good for Australia.'
And it's not just educated, inner-city dwellers who agree. Markus says that a general acceptance of multiculturalism as a strong brand resonates with all Australians.
There are many other positive findings in the new survey. '88% of respondents indicate that "taking all things into consideration," they are happy with their lives while 90% take great pride in the Australian way of life,' says Markus.
'What we have now,' he says, 'is no concern at any significant level about immigration from Asia and across-the-board endorsement of the brand of multiculturalism.'
But the 2013 survey shows that Australians' attitudes have been changing over the years. With declining levels of trust and increased experience of discrimination, our affection for multiculturalism might yet turn sour.
Peter Kurti is a Research Fellow at The Centre for Independent Studies.
Home > Commentary > Opinion > We’re less trusting and less welcoming; but we’re still happy
We’re less trusting and less welcoming; but we’re still happy
Trust in political parties and trades unions is even lower, although we do still place 'a lot of trust' in our hospitals (53%), in our public schools (42%) and in the police (53%).
Overall, the 2013 survey shows levels of social cohesion have deteriorated since 2007 and that pessimism about life over the next three to four years has increased.
Social cohesion is an indicator of a general sense of belonging and a willingness to participate in the community. Mutual respect, a readiness to cooperate, and a sense of self-worth and satisfaction with life are all key elements, as is trust.
But it's not just trust levels that are falling. We are also becoming less tolerant of others. Levels of discrimination on the basis of race, religion or ethnic origin are at their highest since the 2007 benchmark.
In 2013, nearly 11% of us strongly disagreed that 'accepting immigrants from different countries makes Australia stronger,' up from just under 8% in 2007.
This doesn't mean we are no longer accepting of large-scale immigration. 'We are open to the world,' said Guardian Australia reporter David Marr, 'but we aren't as friendly anymore.'
And indeed while Aussies like to think of themselves as kind, caring and friendly people, these attributes were ranked last by immigrants.
When recent arrivals were asked what they liked least about Australia, the top three factors were: cost of living (23%); high taxes (19%); and racism and discrimination (17%).
But multiculturalism, whatever that term means, remains popular with 84% of us agreeing that 'multiculturalism has been good for Australia.'
And it's not just educated, inner-city dwellers who agree. Markus says that a general acceptance of multiculturalism as a strong brand resonates with all Australians.
There are many other positive findings in the new survey. '88% of respondents indicate that "taking all things into consideration," they are happy with their lives while 90% take great pride in the Australian way of life,' says Markus.
'What we have now,' he says, 'is no concern at any significant level about immigration from Asia and across-the-board endorsement of the brand of multiculturalism.'
But the 2013 survey shows that Australians' attitudes have been changing over the years. With declining levels of trust and increased experience of discrimination, our affection for multiculturalism might yet turn sour.
Peter Kurti is a Research Fellow at The Centre for Independent Studies.
• Subscribe
Subscribe now and stay in the loop with our giving appeals, event alerts, newsletters and research updates.
We are always pleased to hear from you. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us here: