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What does it mean to be Australian? A University of Western Sydney/Australian Council for Educational Research study is investigating what it means to be Australian through the first national identity survey. Professor Rhonda Craven from the Centre for Educational Research at the University of Western Sydney is conducting a nationwide study in conjunction with Dr. Nola Purdie from ACER. The survey is designed to explore different cultural backgrounds and life experiences and will help to draw a more accurate picture of who we are today and to what extent we identify with our nationality. The study’s authors say it’s time to provide some real answers about what it means to be an Australian today. “We really need to know what Australians today - from our young Australians to our elders - think about what it means to be an Australian,” say Professor Craven and Dr Purdie. “Establishing a more realistic and up-to-date picture of who we are as a nation is long overdue.” “For too long, we have been content with being defined by historical and cultural stereotypes. Traditionally, these have mostly been regarded by Australians with a mixture of amusement, affection and occasional disbelief,” the authors say. The study has important implications for the well being of individuals and the nation as a whole. Historically national identity has been fundamental to issues as diverse as: education; defending the nation; strengthening social cohesion; formulating economic, social and political policies; promoting Australian industry internationally; and stimulating social action and reform in areas of national interest. The authors say the goal is to create knowledge about contemporary Australian’s conceptions of national identity. All Australians of high school age and above are encouraged to take part in the anonymous online survey. « Back to eNews
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A University of Western Sydney/Australian Council for Educational Research study is investigating what it means to be Australian through the first national identity survey.

Professor Rhonda Craven from the Centre for Educational Research at the University of Western Sydney is conducting a nationwide study in conjunction with Dr. Nola Purdie from ACER.

The survey is designed to explore different cultural backgrounds and life experiences and will help to draw a more accurate picture of who we are today and to what extent we identify with our nationality.

The study’s authors say it’s time to provide some real answers about what it means to be an Australian today.

“We really need to know what Australians today - from our young Australians to our elders - think about what it means to be an Australian,” say Professor Craven and Dr Purdie. “Establishing a more realistic and up-to-date picture of who we are as a nation is long overdue.”

“For too long, we have been content with being defined by historical and cultural stereotypes. Traditionally, these have mostly been regarded by Australians with a mixture of amusement, affection and occasional disbelief,” the authors say.

The study has important implications for the well being of individuals and the nation as a whole. Historically national identity has been fundamental to issues as diverse as: education; defending the nation; strengthening social cohesion; formulating economic, social and political policies; promoting Australian industry internationally; and stimulating social action and reform in areas of national interest.

The authors say the goal is to create knowledge about contemporary Australian’s conceptions of national identity.

All Australians of high school age and above are encouraged to take part in the anonymous online survey.

What does it mean to be Australian?