Student Number: 34875294
Multiethnic Relationships And The Impact On
Individuals And Communities
Student Number: 34875294
Table of Contents
● Log
● Introduction
● Chapter 1: Multiethnic Relationships In The Media
● Chapter 2: Case Study on Macedonia and Australia’s Multiculturalism/Acceptance
● Conclusion
● Resource List
● Appendix
Student Number: 34875294
LOG
My interest in research was inspired by my own life and my surrounding environments such as
the media and my communities. I was fond of doing a PIP surrounding my cultures but didn’t
know which one to narrow it down to. My mother is from Macedonia and my Father is from
Chile. This struggle for one background to pursue formulated my current PIP idea; A study of
multiethnic relationships. Doing brief research on articles and websites made me notice the many
different perspectives and thoughts on this topic, which piqued my interest further. Instead of
reducing these opinions to either negative or positive, I came up with the idea to discuss these
relationships’ impacts as a whole.
To gather valid secondary research for my PIP, I made sure to find information that included the
impacts of multiethnic relationships on all sorts of people and cultures. For a more set selection
of research, I inspected sources chapter by chapter, and topic by topic to find research that
differed and fit into the category of each section. For chapter 1, I limited my research to finding
sources that included positive and negative media impacts on multiethnic relationships. I chose
to find both negative and positive sources to reduce personal bias. For chapter 2 it was difficult
to find promising secondary sources as I mainly used information from my own primary sources
as this chapter incorporated a case study on Macedonian and Australian views. Although, I found
sources with brief information that was used to formulate my questions and set themes for the
chapter.
The research methods I decided to use to execute my PIP included surveys, interviews and a case
study. I narrowed it down to these methods as they would provide me with the best set of data to
evaluate. I made sure when conducting these methods to be ethically responsible and respectful
of my respondents. I did this by making sure my interviewees knew what they were being
interviewed for and where their responses were going, and by also making sure the questions
Student Number: 34875294
were not inappropriate. Primary research allowed for less personal bias within the work as the
respondents ranged in different ages, ethnicities and opinions.
The last stages of completing my PIP included gathering all the information and putting it
together, along with analysing the data collected from my research methodologies. Some
challenges that occurred included finding appropriate secondary research, along with the set of
questions I wanted to ask in my interviews. By completing these stages and overcoming the
challenges, my PIP is successfully completed.
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INTRODUCTION
Relationships between people of various racial, ethnic, or cultural groups are called multiethnic
relationships. (1) Only now are multicultural relationships beginning to be understood and
displayed to the world by media representation, cultural education and societal acceptance. This
differs from earlier times, and in some cases, current societies where these relationships aren't as
accepted due to generational beliefs, and traditions. The increase in acceptance and education of
different cultures is mainly due to multiethnic relationships. My Personal Interest Project’s (PIP)
aim is to explore the benefits and limitations of multi-ethnic relationships. Because my parents
are from different ethnicities, I feel most connected to this topic as I can identify with the
positive and negative effects of multi-ethnic relationships. I have numerous family members and
friends who also fit into the group of multi-ethnic relationships, which will help provide a
micro-level of research to be explored.
The aim of my PIP is to learn and explore what the impacts of multiethnic relationships are, and
how they affect individuals and communities. For my PIP, I will prove how multiethnic
relationships have different impacts, and how these impacts are linked to time and cultural
change that bring about societal acceptance.
The research methodologies I used for my PIP include surveys, a case study, and interviews. I
chose these methodologies to attain the best results as they can provide answers on a macro,
meso, and micro level. For the survey, I decided to write qualitative questions that allow people
to share what spectrum of opinions they hold. This research methodology helped to provide a
(1) Törngren, Sayaka O., Nahikari Irastorza, and Dan Rodríguez-García. 2019. “Understanding multiethnic and
multiracial experiences globally: towards a conceptual framework of mixedness.” Journal of Ethnic and
Migration Studies 47, no. 4 (10). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1369183X.2019.1654150.
(Accessed 3rd of May 2022
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macro/meso understanding as it was posted on online websites for anyone to fill out. This was
paired with two interactive, micro-level qualitative research methodologies: The first is
open-ended interviews. The participants of these interviews are people who have a personal
connection to multiethnic relationships. The second is a case study that explores Australia and
Macedonia's multiculturalism. The participants were asked questions based on how multiethnic
relationships are perceived within their country. These research methodologies will give me a
more connected and fitting response that reflects well upon the chosen topic.
My PIP will explore the cross-cultural component through an evaluation of prior and current
attitudes towards multiethnic partnerships. It will analyse how these experiences may affect or
shift one’s identity, and that having a better understanding of how acceptance of cultural change
is linked to time and social dynamics. The primary research conducted represents the
cross-cultural components as they explore different cultures, ethnicities and ages. Secondary
research provides a larger quantity of information regarding the overall impacts and prejudices
people from multiethnic relations may face. This can help further the society and culture
cross-cultural component as this research will have generational thoughts and opinions from
many different perspectives.
Current advancements in our society such as access to the media have helped to create
acceptance and normality for multi-ethnicities and relationships. However, some difficulties still
arise and set back the growth of our macro-cultural adaptation. Even though these challenges still
remain, there have been a variety of approaches taken by individuals and groups to address them.
This helps to formulate a larger community full of belonging and acceptance for multi-ethnic
relations. In turn, this paves the way for societal cultural diversity and understanding. My PIP
overall will explore the impact of multiethnic marriages on an individual and community.
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CHAPTER 1: MULTIETHNIC RELATIONSHIPS
IN THE MEDIA
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Multiethnic relationships have only recently been displayed through forms of media in our
current society. Attitudes towards multiethnic relationships representation can vary throughout
generations and societies. Both continuity and change can be seen as our society has developed,
in terms of what is now acceptable or not, what is properly displayed, and how this impacts on
individuals. The gradual development of media in our time can be viewed as a tool for capturing
and displaying trends in society. The media can highlight important changes that have an
influence on people's lives both negatively and favourably through its reporting, as well as
bringing to light concerns that are frequently disregarded and voices that are marginalised. (2)
This has allowed people to promote their positive and negative thoughts and opinions
surrounding multiethnic relationships.
All forms of media are available within Australia and are used by most individuals and
communities. A digital News Report by The University of Canberra for 2022 shows that the use
of television for news is growing; One in four Australians use smart television to access news
(23%), and television remains the most popular main source of news (42%). This contrasts with
the view that younger generations claim to depend less on social media for news; in Gen Z, the
percentage of people who say social media is their primary news source (46%) has decreased by
8 percentage points since 2021. (3) Although different generations prefer different forms of media
to receive news, overall the media has a large and convincing influence when it comes to
conveying concerns and affecting society and culture.
(2) Fields, B., 2022. School Discipline Coverage in Australian Newspapers: Impact on Public Perceptions,
Educational Decisions and Policy. [online] Core.ac.uk. Available at:
<https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/11039769.pdf> [Accessed 12 May 2022].
(3) S, P., K, M., C, F., J, L., K, M. and D, N., 2022. Digital News Report: Australia. [online] Canberra.edu.au.
Available at:
<https://www.canberra.edu.au/research/faculty-research-centres/nmrc/digital-news-report-australia-2022>
[Accessed 16 May 2022].
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Advertising multiethnic relationships through the media is important for communities around the
world. Since the media is a powerful resource for developing favourable opinions, it has the
power to reach vast audiences. It is more accessible than communication processes, especially in
environments with limited diversity where using forms of media is simpler than directly
interacting with people of multi-ethnic relationships. The social cognitive theory proposes that
consumers learn through media examination. The social cognitive theory explains how and why
people develop and stay consistent with certain behaviours via modelling, which is seeing,
interpreting, and changing one's own behaviour in reaction to other observed behaviour. (4) This
confirms that individuals learn positive views toward intercultural communication in addition to
positive behaviours through the media, which is a powerful strategy for reducing prejudice,
negative stereotyping, and discrimination.
Through media representation around the globe, different communities are viewed as multiethnic
relationships are being more publicly displayed. This benefits all sorts of individuals, such as
those who struggle in environments where traditions and culture are strict so they are not
exposed to newer societal movements. Due to this representation and acceptance,
multiculturalism has become a part of Australia's identity. (5) Australia has one of the highest
percentages of foreign-born residents in the OECD. Additionally, the variety of birth regions
among our population of immigrants has increased. Less than 10% of Australians were born
outside of Australia in the early post-war period of 1947. Of those Australians who were born
abroad, 79% were from the UK, Ireland, or New Zealand. Australians today come from wider
ranges of nations; more individuals are now born, for instance, in China, India, or the
(4) Fields, B., 2022. School Discipline Coverage in Australian Newspapers: Impact on Public Perceptions,
Educational Decisions and Policy. [online] Core.ac.uk. Available at:
<https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/11039769.pdf> [Accessed 12 May 2022].
(5) Rajadurai, E., 2018. Why Australia is the world's most successful multicultural society - The McKell
Institute. [online] The McKell Institute. Available at:
<https://mckellinstitute.org.au/research/articles/why-australia-is-the-worlds-most-successful-multicultural-s
ociety/> [Accessed 23 July 2022].
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Philippines. Data on inter-ethnic couples, or couples where the partners were born in different
countries in Australia, was published by the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in
Australia (HILDA) Survey. According to the report, around one in four partnerships in Australia
in 2017 were interethnic. (6) Paired with these statistics is a study conducted by the Pew Research
Study. This study found that over 40 percent of individuals (up from 24% in 2010) now believe
that more people of various races marrying each other is beneficial for society. (7)
This information reflects well upon the responses given by my interviewees and survey results.
The following responses were from interviews and a survey that asked questions surrounding
media and multiethnic relationships. When my interviewees were asked if they thought views
towards multiethnic couples and their children have changed throughout time, the overall theme
of the responses collected was similar. The collective thought was that people are becoming
more progressive and evolved - perhaps this is why we're seeing a difference in these
representations in film and on television. (8) Interviewee A stated that ‘there are still some
negative connotations towards multiethnic couples, like integrating cultures … but society is a
lot more accepting of multiethnic couples”. (9) This pairs well with the response from Interviewee
C who said “ I think over time, negative views towards multiethnic groups have been less
prominent due to the media”. (10)
(6) Lass, I., 2022. Language of love: a quarter of Australians are in inter-ethnic relationships. [online] The
Conversation. Available at:
<https://theconversation.com/language-of-love-a-quarter-of-australians-are-in-inter-ethnic-relationships-12
0416> [Accessed 16 May 2022].
(7) Smith, A. and Anderson, M., 2018. Social Media Use in 2018. [online] Available at:
<https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/03/01/social-media-use-in-2018/> [Accessed 17 May 2022].
(8) Npr.org. 2005. NPR Cookie Consent and Choices. [online] Available at:
<https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5075626> [Accessed 18 May 2022].
(9) Quote from interview participant (Female, 17) conducted 2 June 2022
(10) Quote from interview participant (Female, 14) conducted 2 June 2022
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As these interviewees are in the Gen Z category, it is very clear that this generation understands
the impacts media has had on multiethnic relationships, as the media hit its peak in that
generation.
The next question asked if they believed the media displays multiethnic relationships positively
or negatively. Through global communication competence, people of different cultures can
communicate effectively and productively in the globalising society. (11) A statement from
Interview B covers how they “think it depends on the type of media you surround yourself with”.
(12)
This view is shared by the author Jonathan Rothwell who believes that viewing habits can
affect your thinking, political preferences, and even cognitive ability. (13) According to the
sociologist Erica Chito Childs, in her study ‘Interracial Couples Appearing on Primetime
Television’, such marriages are often uncommon, and even fewer depict couples having mixed
children. She noted that when these relationships attempt to appear on these shows, they never
do and are frequently given minimal parts as part of side plot lines. (14)
Similarly, results from my survey as shown below, shared the same views when respondents
were asked if some media programs represent multiethnic relationships negatively.
(11) Fritz, W., Graf, A., Hentze, J., Möllenberg, A. and Cheng, G., 2005. An Examination of Chen and Starosta’s
Model of Intercultural Sensitivity in Germany and United States. [online] Digitalcommons.uri.edu.
Available at: <https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1024&context=com_facpubs>
[Accessed 18 May 2022].
(12) Quote from interview participant (Male, 18) conducted 2 June 2022
(13) Nytimes.com. 2022. You Are What You Watch? The Social Effects of TV (Published 2019). [online]
Available at: <https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/25/upshot/social-effects-television.html> [Accessed 22
May 2022].
(14) Luther, C. and Rightler-Mcdaniels, J., 2013. “More Trouble than the Good Lord Ever Intended”:
Representations of Interracial Marriage in U.S. News-Oriented Magazines. [online] Muse.jhu.edu.
Available at: <https://muse.jhu.edu/article/773710/pdf> [Accessed 17 May 2022].
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The results revealed that 31 (77.50%) agreed that they do, while 9 (22.50%) disagreed. (15)
Over time, the representation of mulitethnic relationships in the media has been increased.
Multiethnic relationships have become more common through younger generations as the media
in Australia along with the rest of society has become more progressive and accepting of people
as equal regardless of where they come from. This pairs well with the results from my survey
which shows 35 (87.50%) that agree with this statement, and 5 (12.50%) disagreed. The
respondents that voted yes were asked why, and one quoted “Because there’s been a stronger
push for more representation from the public''.
(15) Survey (40 responses) via surveymonkey, conducted May 23 2022
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Due to media accessibility, the younger generations (such as Gen Z and Millenials ) have
made global progress in educational and awareness factors. The majority of teenagers
think that the media enables their generation to diversify their networks, enrich their
perspectives, and engage in causes they care about. (16) This has left most of the older
generations to stay with their old attitudes and opinions, as some arent kept in the time of
media awareness and representation. The opinions from my interviewees and surveys had
different views. A response from Interviewee D stated that older generations are
“changing regularly as they have the ability to adapt to it the more they see it in media
outlets…”. (17) With this, the responses given by my survey consisted of different results.
A response from my survey when asked what steps could be taken for acceptance was
“Greater discussion and education with older generations”.
In future, it is hoped that multiethnic relationships will be represented and accepted fairly in the
media and real life, throughout all generations. Multiethnic relationships create further diversity
within societies. This diversity and multiculturalism is important as this creates a better
perspective of people and cultures, diminishes negative stereotypes and misconceptions, and
makes better social development. (18)
(16) S, P., K, M., C, F., J, L., K, M. and D, N., 2022. Digital News Report: Australia. [online] Canberra.edu.au.
Available at:
<https://www.canberra.edu.au/research/faculty-research-centres/nmrc/digital-news-report-australia-2022>
[Accessed 16 May 2022].
(17) Quote from interview participant (Male, 20) conducted 2 June 2022
(18) O'Boyle, T., 2020. 5 Reasons Why Diversity is Important in the 21st Century - AMP Global Youth. [online]
AMP Global Youth. Available at:
<https://www.ampglobalyouth.org/2020/06/20/5-reasons-diversity-important-21st-century/> [Accessed 17
May 2022].
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This idea is further supported from the response of my survey, stating “Given the current
trajectory, multiethnic relationships will become more common as they are quickly becoming a
normal part of society”. Along with this is the quantitative data from my survey which reveals
that 31 (77.50%) agree that these relationships will be seen positively, while 9 (22.50%)
disagree. (19)
In essence, acceptance and disapproval can both be seen throughout the media and the
generations that follow it. The continuity of non-representation in the media, along with
resistance of the relationships falls into the individual experience. While social and generational
change has gradually developed throughout communities. Despite obstacles that could make it
difficult for multiethnic couples to be accepted, the power of normalisation and love can go
beyond even the biggest obstacles. Couples may combat preconceptions and difficulties that may
develop by being willing to embrace positive values, take use of the benefits of multiethnic
partnerships, and broaden the notion of cultural identity.
(19) Survey (40 responses) via surveymonkey, conducted May 23 2022
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CHAPTER 2: CASE STUDY - MULTICULTURALISM
AND ACCEPTANCE OF MULTIETHNIC
RELATIONSHIPS - COMPARISON BETWEEN
AUSTRALIAN AND MACEDONIAN CULTURE
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One of the most notable developments of the past century has been globalisation, which has been
accompanied by rising migration. (20) Australia has gradually become one of the world's most
multicultural societies. Along with this is The Republic of Macedonia. This country is a
multicultural and multi-ethnic society, where throughout the years several different cultures and
religions have existed . It is a place where different cultures and religions are mixed. (21)
Although, for many Macedonians' experience, this wasn't always the case. A case study of how
multiethnic relationships are perceived within Australia and Macedonian culture reveals their
journey of acceptance to multiculturalism and multiethnic relationships. This case study will
include responses from interviews with a first-generation Macedonian woman (interviewee A),
and second-generation Macedonian woman born in Australia (interviewee B).
Australia has a long history of being a nation based on immigration that is still present today.
Australia had a net increase in foreign migration of 262,500 people in 2016–17, up 27.3% from
the previous year. Multiculturalism in Australia depends on immigration being viewed as a
nation-building initiative, which has supported the cultural inclusiveness and variety that
distinguish Australian society and the economy. (22) There are significant variations between what
is referred to as multiculturalism in Europe and what is referred to as multiculturalism in
(20) Rajadurai, E., 2018. Why Australia is the world's most successful multicultural society - The McKell
Institute. [online] The McKell Institute. Ibid Available at:
<https://mckellinstitute.org.au/research/articles/why-australia-is-the-worlds-most-successful-multicultural-s
ociety/> [Accessed 23 July 2022].
(21) Jovanovska, B. and Stojmenov, S., 2010. [online] Kppcenter.org. Available at:
<http://www.kppcenter.org/WBPReview2010-1-1-JovanovskaStojmenov.pdf> [Accessed 5 June 2022].
(22) Rajadurai, E., 2018. Why Australia is the world's most successful multicultural society - The McKell
Institute. [online] The McKell Institute. Ibid Available at:
<https://mckellinstitute.org.au/research/articles/why-australia-is-the-worlds-most-successful-multicultural-s
ociety/> [Accessed 23 July 2022].
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Australia, particularly in the area of policy. During the 1970's, multiculturalism as a policy first
appeared in Australia. While in Macedonia, a National Programme for Culture 2004-2008 was
first approved by the Parliament in Macedonia in only 2004. The main principles of the cultural
policy, according to this National Program, were diversity. (23)
In my interview with the 2 generations of Macedonian/Australian respondents, I questioned how
multiethnic relationships are perceived within their culture. Interviewee A quoted that while
growing up in Macedonia and then moving to Australia, “our beliefs and values came with us,
that included that we marry within our culture”. (24) For many people born overseas that move to
Australia, this is a common collective cultural experience. Furthermore, during this time period
Australia's multiculturalism and acceptance of multiethnic relationships wasnt prominent, which
meant that these resistant values were strong. In comparison, Interviewee B shared a different
experience. This respondent grew up in Australia in the 90s which is when a new inclusive
Australia was emerging. They stated “My marriage to another nationality was generally accepted
and not frowned upon within my Australian community, although my older Macedonian family
members had a few things to say about it for a while.”(25)
The percentage of marriages between partners who were both born in Australia is declining,
according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In 2006, Australian-born couples made up over
72% of marriages; by 2016, that percentage had dropped to about 54%. However, marriages in
Australia between partners who were born in several nations climbed from 18% in 2006 to
31.6% in 2016. The percentage of marriages between partners who were both born in Australia is
declining, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
(23) Culturalpolicies.net. 2019. North Macedonia 1.1 | Compendium of Cultural Policies & Trends. [online]
Available at: <https://www.culturalpolicies.net/country_profile/north-macedonia-1-1/> [Accessed 6 June
2022].
(24) Quote from interview participant (1st Generation Macedonian Woman), conducted 15 June 2022
(25) Quote from interview participant (2nd Generation Macedonian Woman), conducted 15 June 2022
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In 2006, Australian-born couples made up over 72% of marriages; by 2016, that percentage had
dropped to about 54%. However, marriages in Australia between partners who were born in
several nations climbed from 18% in 2006 to 31.6% in 2016. In the past, intercultural
relationships in Macedonia were uncommon and were met with resistance from the community
or the parents. The prevalence of intercultural marriages is rising in the twenty-first century and
is grabbing the attention of social and psychological studies. Most frequently, the research
discusses the socio psychological traits of these marriages or relationships as well as the issues
that spouses and children encounter. Although there is more acceptance, there is still
considerable rejection and prejudice towards these unions and partnerships today.
This data pairs well with the responses given by my interviewees. Interview A discussed how
they agreed Macedonia wasn't all too accepting of multiethnic relationships, they quote “It has
taken 2 generations to change the old way of thinking and moving with the times to get to where
we are today.” (26) Interviewee B also quoted something similar about Australia, saying “I don’t
believe Australia was accepting of other cultures back in the 50’s-80’s. Progressively Australia
has had to adapt to different waves of cultures coming into the country decade after decade.” (27)
This shows that although these countries currently are mostly accepting of multiculturalism, it
took time and education to get to where they are currently. The Australia we now reside was
moulded over many years by successive waves of immigration, which also boosted the country's
ethnic, cultural, and economic diversity.
Interviewee A spoke of a personal experience in connection to multiethnic relationships within
their family. Their brother married a white-Australian woman in the 80s and their parents aren't
accepting of this notion.
(26) Quote from interview participant (1st Generation Macedonian Woman), conducted 15 June 2022
(27) Quote from interview participant (2nd Generation Macedonian Woman), conducted 15 June 2022
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They quoted, “they gave them a really hard time for many years, it got to the point of threatening
to disown him and try to persuade him to marry within his own culture.” (28) This shows how
important and strong culture and values were for Macedonians, even though this meant that they
were not accepting of this relationship, nor their son. Comparatively, Interviewee B wrote that
they know many multiethnic couples living in Australia, who have not faced this prejudice and
resistance to marry.
Macedonians today all around the world are marrying into different cultures and even raising
their children in different religions. This culture has embraced multiculturalism in our current
society without hesitation, Macedonian families are enjoying new customs and traditions and
welcoming them with open arms. Macedonians have many customs so inviting other
nationalities into our world is a proud moment and everything done is done with pride. When
asked if they believe Macedonia will become more resistant or accepting of multiethnic
relationships, interviewee A wrote “I don’t believe Macedonians will become more restricted…
Marrying into a different culture shouldn’t change who we are.” (29)
Throughout the last 50 years, Australia has experienced a significant increase in diverse cultures
migrating to Australia in search of a better life. Australia has adapted and accepted various
cultures by incorporating them into our workforce and schools; this is now a part of everyday life
in Australia. Multicultural partnerships are often not regarded as inappropriate; rather, the
blending of cultures offers a sense of a new world to explore. However, throughout the early
1900's Australia was not always welcoming of various cultures. Australia has gradually had to
adjust to diverse waves of culture that have arrived in the nation decade after decade. Europeans
were the first group of immigrants who suffered bigotry for many decades.
(28) Quote from interview participant (1st Generation Macedonian Woman), conducted 15 June 2022
(29) Quote from interview participant (1st Generation Macedonian Woman), conducted 15 June 2022
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They have subsequently shown themselves by working hard and introducing numerous new
habits and civilizations to Australia. We've seen Asian, Middle Eastern, and, most recently,
African immigrants arrive. Each race/ethnicity faces prejudice, followed by acceptance. Each
race seemed to have had to prove themselves and ease into the Australian way of life.
Interviewee B further exclaimed when asked about the future of Australia's multiculturalism,
“There is no doubt that Australia will become more and more accepting of multiculturalism. Our
children will educate and pave the way for cultural integration without judgement or bias.” (30)
Individual insights on how Australia and Macedonia saw diversity and their acceptance of
multiethnic partnerships were revealed through these interviews. This case study provided an
in-depth look at the community experience in a cross-cultural comparison of Australia and
Macedonia, as well as the components of generations and time. Within this case study, the
obstacles and experiences of multicultural and multiethnic relationship acceptance are not
restricted to these cultural groups exclusively. These encounters and perceptions are only a few
of the countless examples that individuals of different races have gone through throughout
history.
(30) Quote from interview participant (2nd Generation Macedonian Woman), conducted 15 June 2022
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CONCLUSION
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In conclusion, throughout the process of my Personal Interest Project, I gained a wider
understanding of multiethnic relationships, and the challenges they face. These challenges have
consisted throughout generations and platforms, but through individual and collective education
and acceptance can they be cleared.
Through this investigation of the impacts on multiethnic relationships, it is concluded that
acceptance differs throughout many socio-cultural situations, and despite the appearance that
multicultural communities are more accepting of other cultures, multiethnic relationships are
nonetheless the focus of judgement and hostility at times. This resistance to change and
acceptance of these relationships can be pursued through the media, and cultures. Stereotypes,
inaccurate media portrayals, and cultural superiority are a few examples of the obstacles that
couples face in gaining both micro and macro acceptability within the media. Along with this is
the cultural traditions that have been withheld throughout generations. These values may
withhold multiethnic relationships from occurring, but a change is bound to happen within these
communities.
Experiences from my primary and secondary research proved to be successful in understanding
how the individual and social experiences of multiethnic relationships are explored. Media
representation and cultural education were the focus for these research methodologies. These
themes explored the representation of relationships, the research into cross-cultural
multiculturalism, exploring micro acceptance of other cultures, and the media's impacts. Along
with this is the strategies that combine with values to help couples overcome personal, social,
and cultural obstacles. Wide acceptance is still being achieved, indicating that acceptance is
being earned gradually as these couples persist out of love.
This project helped me develop a more knowledgeable understanding of the impacts people of
multi ethnicities, and people in multiethnic relationships face. It has given me the opportunity to
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understand the opinions and experiences other than my own within my micro, meso and macro
world. This project has educated my Society and Culture knowledge further, through conducting
ethical primary research methods, analysing secondary sources, and applying Society and
Culture themes and concepts throughout my work. I learnt how to work through different
setbacks and challenges when trying to complete the duration of my research. This topic has not
only broadened new knowledge, but allowed me to understand more about myself and my
personal connection to the topic. I gained a personal passion and drive to complete this Personal
Interest Project through the understanding of what impacts multiethnic relationships face in life,
although these difficulties are simply un-educated resistance, for the shape of love is undeniably
shifting and forever changing.
“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
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ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Primary Research:
Interview:
-
Interviewee A, 17 years old, Female, Indian Background. (Conducted 2nd of June 2022
-
Interviewee B, 18 years old, Male, Greek and Australian Background. (Conducted 2nd of
June 2022)
-
Interviewee C, 14 years old, Female, Macedonian and Chilean Background. (Conducted
2nd of June 2022)
-
Interviewee D, 20 years old, Male, Serbian and Macedonian Background. (Conducted
2nd of June 2022)
Contribution to my topic: In regards to primary research, I conducted four interviews with
people that have a connection to multiethnic relationships, and are all in Generation Z. With each
interview, I asked questions surrounding their opinion on how the media affects multiethnic
relationships, within their own experience. Through the use of these interviews, I was able to
gain a collective understanding of how this generation understands the impacts media has had on
multiethnic relationships. This helped my PIP in providing evidence from the range of
respondents, when comparing secondary information to it.
Credibility to source: Each interview was conducted in person, and had no professional
responses as no experts were involved. I made sure to provide a statement of confidentiality and
disclosure that allowed respondents to skip questions if they felt uncomfortable, and let them
know what their responses were being used for. Since the respondents all had a personal
connection to multiethnic relationships, personal bias has to be considered in the evaluation of
this source. The respondents could respond with their own bias as the topic of discussion was to
understand their own opinion of the media's impacts.
Student Number: 34875294
Open and close-ended Survey:
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40 completed responses, majority over the age of 30. (Conducted 23rd of May 2022)
Contribution to my topic: This survey provided both short qualitative and quantitative data to
be analysed. The survey asked questions surrounding the negative impacts the media has had on
multiethnic relationships, and ways they can be avoided. This helped in supporting my other
primary and secondary research. Since this survey consisted of individuals mostly over the age
of 30, I was able to make a comparison between this survey and my interviews as they consisted
of generational differences.
Credibility of source: Since I distributed this survey onto social media and other media
platforms, I was able to gain responses from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities etc which
meant I had a variety of opinions. Due to this primary method being online and not face to face,
the responses given reflected their true opinion as their identity was hidden. Although, this meant
that people were putting in any sorts of information, and I could not discover what was truthful
or not.
Interview (With Case Study):
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1st Generation Macedonian, Female. (Conducted 15th of June 2022)
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2nd Generation Macedonian born in Australia, Female. (Conducted 15th of June 2022)
Contribution to my topic: These interviews were used for my case study between Macedonias
and Australia's multiculturalism and acceptance of multiethnic relationships. The questions asked
for these interviews were similar but sculpted to fit questions based separately between
Macedonian and Australian experiences. The questions were based on multiculturalism, and how
Student Number: 34875294
multiethnic relationships are perceived. These interviews provided a large aid to my case study
as they gave primary and personal experiences and opinions, from two different generations.
Credibility of source: These interviews were done in real life, and again consisted of a
statement of confidentiality and disclosure that allowed respondents to skip questions if they felt
uncomfortable, and let them know what their answers were being used for. Since these questions
were based on two different places and experiences, and only two were conducted, it is hard to
see if the results are truly reliable and reflect the true nature of each culture. This is why
secondary sources were used to make comparative analysis between the primary responses.
Student Number: 34875294
Secondary Research:
(1) Törngren, Sayaka O., Nahikari Irastorza, and Dan Rodríguez-García. 2019. “Understanding multiethnic
and multiracial experiences globally: towards a conceptual framework of mixedness.” Journal of Ethnic
and Migration Studies 47, no. 4 (10).
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1369183X.2019.1654150. (Accessed 3rd of May 2022)
This website helped provide me with overall information regarding multiethnical relationships.
This website provided nine articles on multiracial and multiethnic individuals from around the
world. This source helped give information to write the introduction of my PIP.
(2) Fields, B., 2022. School Discipline Coverage in Australian Newspapers: Impact on Public Perceptions,
Educational Decisions and Policy. [online] Core.ac.uk. Available at:
<https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/11039769.pdf> [Accessed 12 May 2022].
This source provided information to start off my first chapter, it included a particular theme of
the media influence which was an important section within this chapter. I read this piece of
writing with the goal of trying to gather a phrase to use as one of my chapter quotations.
(3) S, P., K, M., C, F., J, L., K, M. and D, N., 2022. Digital News Report: Australia. [online]
Canberra.edu.au. Available at:
<https://www.canberra.edu.au/research/faculty-research-centres/nmrc/digital-news-report-australia2022> [Accessed 16 May 2022].
This source provided a wealth of information ranging from qualitative to quantitative data. I used
this source to explore statistical evidence and data of media platforms Australians engage and
learn from. This information helped me in writing a large paragraph within my PIP.
(4) Rajadurai, E., 2018. Why Australia is the world's most successful multicultural society - The McKell
Institute. [online] The McKell Institute. Available at:
<https://mckellinstitute.org.au/research/articles/why-australia-is-the-worlds-most-successful-multicul
tural-society/> [Accessed 23 July 2022].
Student Number: 34875294
This article was frequently used throughout my PIP as it included many statistics and
information regarding Australia's multiculturalism and multiethnic relationships in Australia.
The source discussed globalisation in terms of Australia's leading multiculturalism, and provided
me with information I needed for different points within my PIP.
(5) Lass, I., 2022. Language of love: a quarter of Australians are in inter-ethnic relationships. [online] The
Conversation. Available at:
<https://theconversation.com/language-of-love-a-quarter-of-australians-are-in-inter-ethnic-relationsh
ips-120416> [Accessed 16 May 2022].
This source gave me information and statistics on what percentage of couples were interethnic. It
included data from recent years which proves to be more reliable.
(6) Smith, A. and Anderson, M., 2018. Social Media Use in 2018. [online] Available at:
<https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/03/01/social-media-use-in-2018/> [Accessed 17 May
2022].
Paired with the information above was statistics from another publisher (Pew Research Center)
which provided more studies and data on what people think of multiethnic relationships. This
data source was important as most secondary sources included qualitative information.
(7) Npr.org. 2005. NPR Cookie Consent and Choices. [online] Available at:
<https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5075626> [Accessed 18 May 2022].
Only one phrase from this source was the one that was most pertinent to my subject and how
media. While the remainder of the article did not serve as a source for my study because there
were no additional significant connections to my topic, it was interesting to read.
(8) Fritz, W., Graf, A., Hentze, J., Möllenberg, A. and Cheng, G., 2005. An Examination of Chen and
Starosta’s Model of Intercultural Sensitivity in Germany and United States. [online]
Digitalcommons.uri.edu. Available at:
<https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1024&context=com_facpubs> [Accessed
18 May 2022].
I specifically used this source to encapsulate the theme of the paragraph in this chapter. The one
line used stated information on media, community and culture. Although, this source was an
Student Number: 34875294
interesting read as it included different perspectives from different places. Reading this source
opened my view of intercultural themes from different places.
(9) Nytimes.com. 2022. You Are What You Watch? The Social Effects of TV (Published 2019). [online]
Available at: <https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/25/upshot/social-effects-television.html> [Accessed 22
May 2022].
(10) Luther, C. and Rightler-Mcdaniels, J., 2013. “More Trouble than the Good Lord Ever Intended”:
Representations of Interracial Marriage in U.S. News-Oriented Magazines. [online] Muse.jhu.edu.
Available at: <https://muse.jhu.edu/article/773710/pdf> [Accessed 17 May 2022].
This source was used to bring in evidence of an author's view, this was utilised to enhance the
secondary information used so it isn't just analysing information. The study displayed his
preference and views upon media intake.
(11) S, P., K, M., C, F., J, L., K, M. and D, N., 2022. Digital News Report: Australia. [online]
Canberra.edu.au. Available at:
<https://www.canberra.edu.au/research/faculty-research-centres/nmrc/digital-news-report-australia2022> [Accessed 16 May 2022].
This source was a News Report that spread information on younger generations in the media.
This source was useful as my interview involved respondents from Gen Z who were asked
questions about the media.
(12) O'Boyle, T., 2020. 5 Reasons Why Diversity is Important in the 21st Century - AMP Global Youth.
[online] AMP Global Youth. Available at:
<https://www.ampglobalyouth.org/2020/06/20/5-reasons-diversity-important-21st-century/>
[Accessed 17 May 2022].
This source was a good source for summing up multiculturalism, diversity, and multiethnic
relationships. I frequently looked back at the website when writing my chapters as it provided
useful information. This article was also used to solidify the notion of developing culture in
mixed communities towards the end of my PIP writing. I aimed to offer a mentality and
perspective that could see culture's evolution as beneficial and layering. The quotation I selected
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was appropriate for my topic because it makes the argument that Australia, a multicultural
society, should allow culture to influence the nation's identity.
(13) Jovanovska, B. and Stojmenov, S., 2010. [online] Kppcenter.org. Available at:
<http://www.kppcenter.org/WBPReview2010-1-1-JovanovskaStojmenov.pdf> [Accessed 5 June
2022].
When starting my second chapter, I was afraid that there was not going to be many resources on
Macedonaisn multiculturalism and opinions on multiethnic relationships, but this article
provided me with a ton of useful information and statistics. This source helped in backing up the
primary source information I wrote and was used frequently within this chapter.
(14) Culturalpolicies.net. 2019. North Macedonia 1.1 | Compendium of Cultural Policies & Trends. [online]
Available at: <https://www.culturalpolicies.net/country_profile/north-macedonia-1-1/> [Accessed 6
June 2022].
In chapter 2, I briefly mentioned ever so often about policies within Australia and Macedonia,
this source was extremely helpful when discussing those policies in Macedonia. This source was
extremely useful as there weren't too many out there that fell into the theme of my project, so it
was interesting for me to analyse and read.