Everyday multiculturalism in the workplace: negotiating difference in a metropolitan university

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Abstract

Australia has one of the world‘s most culturally diverse workforces and it is at work where ‗enforced‘ intercultural contact and intermingling occurs daily. The quality of social relationships between different ethnic groups has ongoing implications not only for the world of work but also for the direction of multiculturalism in Australia. This paper presents findings from a pilot study which examined everyday intercultural relations in an Australian metropolitan university. The aim of the study was to gain an insight into the experiences and dynamics of cross-cultural interactions and further our understanding of everyday negotiations of cultural difference in the workplace and their wider impact on community relations in Australia. The study involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with general and academic staff from non-Anglo backgrounds from across the university. We found that while universities, as workplaces, are viewed as largely non racist, participants in this study did experience discrimination and racism that they ‗felt‘ could be attributed to their ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Australian Sociological Association Annual Conference 2010
Subtitle of host publicationSocial Causes, Private Lives
Place of PublicationSydney
PublisherThe Australian Sociological Association
Pages1-11
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)9780646546285
Publication statusPublished - 2010
EventAustralian Sociological Association Conference - Sydney
Duration: 6 Dec 20109 Dec 2010

Conference

ConferenceAustralian Sociological Association Conference
CitySydney
Period6/12/109/12/10

Bibliographical note

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