Social Disadvantage in Australia: Structures, Choices, and Impacts

This discussion post examines social disadvantage in Australia, focusing on whether it is primarily shaped by social structures or individual choices. The post argues that social structures play a dominant role in shaping disadvantage, citing examples such as family background and the education system. The author references sociological research and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to support the claim that those from disadvantaged backgrounds often face limited opportunities, leading to persistent inequality. The post emphasizes the importance of education as a key factor in breaking the cycle of disadvantage, while also acknowledging the limitations of the current system in addressing inequalities. It concludes by highlighting the need for social action and policies that provide equal opportunities for all, particularly in the context of intergenerational effects of social disadvantage.

Running head: SOCIAL DISADVANTAGES IN AUSTRALIA POST 1
Social Disadvantage in Australia
Name
Professor
Course
Date

SOCIAL DISADVANTAGES IN AUSTRALIA POST 2
Social Disadvantage in Australia
Social disadvantage cases are common in most societies all over the world. Socially
disadvantaged people are subjected to prejudices that are based on ethnic, racial or cultural
grounds. In Australia, social disadvantage is shaped by social structures and not by choice. The
circumstances under which people are disadvantaged are beyond their control. Social origin has a
strong effect on children’s social outcome (Saltkjel, 2017, p. 31). Popularly, people with
disabilities, single parents, the elderly, ethnic minorities and the migrants have higher chances of
being disadvantaged. This is as a result of stress, unemployment, malnutrition and low wages.
primarily, there has been rising growth in economy, population and income in Australia.
However, the disadvantaged and poverty-stricken people still remain in existent. Disadvantaged
people lack equal opportunities (Vauhkonen et al. 47). However, Education which is a key to
social and economic success improves earning and employment prospects thus an out of
disadvantage route. Therefore, it breaks cycles of intergenerational disadvantages.
Despite the commitment put by the Australian government on opportunity and equity for
all, family backgrounds still play the major role in their education pathways. A strong link
between the youth’s social-economic status and outcome on education still remains. The
education system in Australia is not adequately addressing inequalities; actually, some of its
features are making the gaps much wider (Cengage, Lie, and Furze, 2014, p. 163). Children are
left with no essential resources. For example, children with disadvantaged adults as mentors have
lower expectation thus high likelihood of being socially disadvantaged as adults.
In summary, it is evident that social disadvantage worsens life chances thus need for
social action. Better structures need to be put in place to provide equal opportunities for all.
Therefore, education for all policy should be emphasized. Social disadvantage among parents has

SOCIAL DISADVANTAGES IN AUSTRALIA POST 3
intergenerational effects that are highly extensive, and thus social equality and equity should be
encouraged in Australia.
References
Cengage, L. A., Lie, J., and Furze, B., 2014. Sociology in today's world; p.152-172. Retrieved
from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com

SOCIAL DISADVANTAGES IN AUSTRALIA POST 4
Saltkjel, T., 2017. Social disadvantages and welfare problems: The role of collective welfare
resources.p.31.
Vauhkonen, T., Kallio, J., Kauppinen, T.M. and Erola, J., 2017. Intergenerational accumulation
of social disadvantages across generations in young adulthood. Research in Social Stratification
and Mobility, 48, pp.42-52.