The researchers have proved culture should
be an essential part of addressing
Indigenous disadvantage.
Image: iStockphoto
Stronger attachment to traditional culture is associated with better socio-economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians, according to a new study.
Curtin Business School Associate Professor, Dr Mike Dockery, said the results had very important implications for debates focusing on the tension between maintaining Indigenous culture and achieving ‘equity’ in socio-economic outcomes.
“Implicit in this tension is the view that attachment to traditional culture and lifestyles is a hindrance to the achievement of ‘mainstream’ economic goals,” he said.
“Indigenous culture should be seen as part of the solution to addressing Indigenous disadvantage and not as a barrier as is often claimed.”
The paper, based on data from the 2002 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey (NATSIS), argues the need for renewed focus on the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians and for empirical evidence on the link between culture and socio-economic wellbeing instead of ideological debate.
The results found that those with strong cultural attachment have significantly better self-assessed health, are more likely to be employed, least likely to have been arrested in the past five years and are also least likely to have consumed alcohol at risky levels.
“The empirical evidence confirms that there may well be negative impacts on wellbeing if employment is pursued at the expense of culture,” Dr Dockery said.
“The findings also support the view that there are other means by which Indigenous disadvantage can be addressed and that restoration of Indigenous attachment to their culture may be an integral part of the solution.”
Professor Anita Lee-Hong, Director of Curtin’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies, said the Centre endorsed Dr Dockery’s findings.
“The Centre has always been committed to providing a highly culturally supportive environment for Indigenous staff and students at Curtin and the wider community,” she said.
“This philosophy has contributed to the education and employment of Indigenous people.”
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