Sociology and Australian ethnic relations : a critical approach

Abstract

What makes the sociological analysis of Australian ethnic relations necessarily sociological? To what extent is the knowledge produced in the study of this area scientific? This thesis sets out to provide constructive answers to these two questions. While the specific aim was to develop a systematic sociological analysis of Australian ethnic relations, a more general objective was to attempt to provide a guide for the sociological analysis of other sub-areas within Australian society, e.g., the sociology of health, work, etc. The method selected for attempting to answer these questions was firstly, to try to identify the nature of scientific sociology. This resulted in the development of an epistemological position for sociological inquiry called critical systematic sociological practice. One important principle of this practice was the need to locate the study of specific areas, such as ethnic relations, within the historical development of the Australian social structure. This practice was then used to critique the study of Australian ethnic relations in order to show the non-systematic nature of much of the knowledge produced in this area. It was also employed to analyse ethnic groups in the context of the wider class structure. This analysis, while pointing out the connection between ideology and the concept of multiculturalism and the dominant discourse of ethnic relations, was mainly intended to focus on the mechanisms by which the class structure is maintained and reproduced. In light of this analysis and the emancipationist-realist epistemological position adopted, it was suggested that consciousness raising coupled with various forms of praxis could be a means by which oppressed groups may be liberated from their subordinate social position. These means indicated the need for some sort of education programme (conscientization). How and where could such a programme be instituted? A case study of the organisation and curriculum of four Greek ethnic schools in Sydney was carried out to determine the role these schools now play in Australian ethnic relations and the role they could play in a truly multicultural society. The conclusion emphasises the contribution of critical systematic sociological practice to sociological knowledge in general and to knowledge in ethnic relations, in particular.