Race and ethnicity: Australia’s Aborigines
a) What are the origins of the poverty trap for Australia’s aborigines?
Until the 1960s many of indigenous Australians were excluded from the mainstream service that other Australians receive. This led to the socio-economic disparities, in employment, health, education, and housing. According to National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey in 1994 found that the government payments were the the main source of income, for 55% of all indigenous population, while 13% for non-indigenous population. The main factors lead to the poverty trap among Australians aborigines are due to poor educational outcomes, low rates of labour, low income and welfare dependence. These factors prevents many of indigenous individuals and families from the accumulating capital.
b) How can we break the cycle of poverty?
We can break the cycle of poverty by increasing the employment rate of indigenous population. To increase the employment rate, the educations must be improve. Increase the accessibility of educations, including primary, secondary and tertiary. After employment rate being increased, income and other factors such as health would be improved among indigeous society as well.