The unit will examine the impact of the welfare state, and the role and responsibilities of families and communities in supporting healthy development of groups and individuals.
Students will explore the range of community sector organisations that operate in Australia, sources of funding provided by local, state and federal governments, and the challenges associated with increasing competition for funding between organisations in the community sector.
An analysis of the social inequality of difference, whether by culture, gender, age, social mobility, unemployment, and the inequitable distribution of access to wealth, employment opportunities, health services and education across Australia will lead into an exploration of community welfare in practice.
This will include how various government and non-government agencies respond to issues of difference and social disadvantage.
Students will also research the political influences on the community sector including economic rationalism and the privatisation of health and education. The strategic direction of government policy will also be explored.
- Teacher: Aisling Odonnell
- Teacher: Aruna Ranga