Australian Society, Systems and Policies

Australian Society, Systems and Policies
In the context of any qualitative research, having a comprehensive knowledge social
theory may seem a challenging requirement. However, the task becomes easier when we
comprehend the extent to which we already apply theories in any study. It is theory that
provides the material for research. Researchers first make assumptions about the nature of
reality and from these suppositions; theoretical notions are born which in turn are collectively
used for practice and research.
Conflict theory
Cultural sociology deals with the theory of the pattern of how people think and act,
and every other material thing that structure the lives of people. One major aspect of
sociological investigation is class. The sociological concept of societal division generally
indicates “a body of theory and evidence that is used to explain the structural reproduction of
inequality within society.” (Back et al., 2012, p.48). The concept of class that exists in all
societies is indicated by the status that is provided to an individual because of his or her
financial condition which in turn is decided by his occupation, level of income, source of
income and other factors. The social position that an individual holds determines his or her
power and rights in the society and this is carried on upon their future generations provided
their social and economic status remains in the same level (Back et al., 2012). This concept of
class has been emphasized by conflict theory that is derived from conflict between social
groups. Max Weber has also extended this theory by arguing that “both class and
membership of social groups determine power, hence the concept of socio-economic status”
(Willis et al., 2007). This conflict theory is evident in the heath care facilities that exist in
Australia for its indigenous people. There exists this eternal confrontation for the Australian
government to improve the average wellbeing status of aboriginal populace in the country.

There is an extreme discrepancy between the health facilities and their accessibility among
the aboriginal and non-indigenous people in Australia. This was acknowledged by the United
Nations committees as component of human rights convention and Australian government
has accepted it as well (Dick, 2007).
Indigenous health in Australia
It has been established by research (Hill et al., 2007) that average mortality rate of the
home-grown population in Australia is much lower than the rate of general population in the
country and this could have drastic social and political consequences had the percentage of
indigenous population been greater. Health reports are released periodically that state the
horrifying health conditions of the indigenous population that momentarily create shock
waves across the country and demands arise for taking appropriate state but soon the matter is
elapsed till the next statement gets published (Saggers & Gray, 2007). Such disparities in
health conditions can be explained by the theory of social conflicts between the minorities
and the majorities. Although several major factors that contribute to such disparities are
differences in accessibility and affordability of health care facilities and differences in
lifestyle, other vital factors that cause such differences are the condition under which the
indigenous population is born, grown up and work (Marmot, 2011). Rosenstock et al. have
studied that compared to the general population in Australia, the indigenous groups in the
country have higher humanity and rates of disability in various stages of life. The reason
behind this is that the indigenous people suffer from chronic heart and kidney failures more
than the general people and therefore the former get admitted to the hospitals more often than
the latter. These differences are caused by “wide range of biological, socio-cultural, political
and economic determinants of health” (Rosenstock et al., 2013, p.356).
Theory of social practice