ETHNIC LESSONS FOR A PLURAL SOCIETY
Dr. Rabiul Islam
Rabiul lslam's principal research interest lies with the study of interethnic relations in real life
situations. The research focuses on identifying how inter-group relations may be improved
through intergroup contact. Findings from these studies propose a model for effective interethnic contact to improve mutual understanding by reducing anxiety and enhancing trust.
In a multicultural society it is very important to know the nature of prevailing racism. Research
suggests that symbolic racism is the major form of subtle prejudice prevailing in Australian
society. This position is not associated with any real inter-group conflict or acute sense of
relative deprivation. The research rather suggests that many Australians endorse the views
characteristic of symbolic racism without really believing these to be racist - they are what
might be termed 'racist by default'. So far policies for ethnic relations in this country
concentrate on changing knowledge structures about multi-ethnic groups: very little emphasis
has been given to changing affective structures of main stream Australians.
Dr lslam's investigation extends to a third area of cross-cultural interest - that of ageism and
ageing research. His current study examines attitudes to the elderly and to the ageing
process, and looks at prevailing stereotypes about ageing and ageing anxiety in people from
different cultural backgrounds in Australia. This project provides a unique opportunity to
challenge the dominant individualistic Australian discourse on ageing and aged-appropriate
services and to gain an insight into the long-neglected alternative discourse prevalent in
several ethnic communities that see ageing as a collective responsibility. Australian discourse
on ageing and aged-appropriate services and to gain an insight into long-neglected
alternative discourse prevalent in several ethnic communities that see ageing as a collective
responsibility.