Contemporary Australian identity can be regarded as an invention (White 1981) or a product of its own history. A multitude of identities, like mate-ship, fair go and larrikinism, be it a stereotype or a true reflection, resonates among the Australians. Of which, egalitarianism is one identity that is distinct yet debatable in today’s context.
Today’s Australia is not a nation where everyone is equal as there are indeed, clear differences in wealth, clearly defined hierarchies in its competitive sporting culture and various ranks in the military. On and off, critics may step in and be obsessive in trying to point out examples of inequality such as 1993 Australian Education Union’s curriculum policy. Even so, cultural legacies that denotes egalitarianism, fair go and mate-ship have somehow imprinted in the Australians’ mind which shapes today’s peaceful society.
The idea of egalitarianism, according to Cashdan (1980), is a representation of the absence of stratification. The development of this contemporary identity is closely linked to the idea of fair go which has evolved since the colonial times. …show more content…
As material goods cannot be readily stored or carried from camp to camp, the value of equality arises without strict sanctions to reinforce it. The Bushmen see the need to cope with environmental variability or uncertain devasting loss through “regular sharing of temporary windfalls” (Draper 1978) or pooling of materials to achieve social assurance for protection in extreme conditions. Culture of sharing and dismissal of arrogance and authoritative attitude grew within the group. Social, economic and political equality are
Today’s Australia is not a nation where everyone is equal as there are indeed, clear differences in wealth, clearly defined hierarchies in its competitive sporting culture and various ranks in the military. On and off, critics may step in and be obsessive in trying to point out examples of inequality such as 1993 Australian Education Union’s curriculum policy. Even so, cultural legacies that denotes egalitarianism, fair go and mate-ship have somehow imprinted in the Australians’ mind which shapes today’s peaceful society.
The idea of egalitarianism, according to Cashdan (1980), is a representation of the absence of stratification. The development of this contemporary identity is closely linked to the idea of fair go which has evolved since the colonial times. …show more content…
As material goods cannot be readily stored or carried from camp to camp, the value of equality arises without strict sanctions to reinforce it. The Bushmen see the need to cope with environmental variability or uncertain devasting loss through “regular sharing of temporary windfalls” (Draper 1978) or pooling of materials to achieve social assurance for protection in extreme conditions. Culture of sharing and dismissal of arrogance and authoritative attitude grew within the group. Social, economic and political equality are