Scanlon Foundation Research Institute

It's been a week since we launched the Mapping Social Cohesion 2024 Report in Melbourne! Dr. James O'Donnell (The Australian National University) presented the key findings, followed by Trish Prentice (Senior Researcher, Scanlon Institute) who spoke to qualitative insights from the report. We also hosted an insightful Q&A with Anthea Hancocks (CEO, Scanlon Institute). After morning tea, Emeritus Professor Andrew Markus from Monash University led a workshop discussing the challenges and opportunities currently shaping Australia’s social landscape. This event was a great opportunity to connect with peers and leaders and discuss how we can use these insights to strengthen social cohesion in Australia. If you missed our in-person event, you can check out the launch event presentation here: https://ow.ly/GQxC50Ugoam or launch webinar here: https://ow.ly/zFzc50Ugoan #SFRI #SocialCohesion

Last chance to register! If you missed our in-person event, it's not too late to register to join our webinar tomorrow held at 12PM AEST. This is your opportunity to ask questions, unpack the results together and hear how it applies to your day to day work with our authors. We look forward to seeing you then! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gWWgfjfV #SFRI #SocialCohesion #freeevents #Webinar

Watch the full recording of our launch event held on 19 November in Melbourne, with presentations by Dr James O'Donnell (ANU) and Trish Prentice (Scanlon Institute) 🎥 Don't forget, if you missed out on the launch, join us online on Tuesday 26 November at 12PM AEST, for your chance to unpack the results with us further with our report Author and ask questions on how it applies to your day to day work or sector. Register for the Webinar here: https://lnkd.in/gWWgfjfV To read our full report and key findings, head to our website: https://lnkd.in/gigVPXVB You can also download our stakeholder pack with our media release and in language information via: https://lnkd.in/gtidUDD6   Launch Event Recording: https://lnkd.in/gYxkMjGK #SocialCohesion #SFRI #Webinar

The 2024 Scanlon Foundation Research Institute Social Cohesion Report sheds light into shifting attitudes on immigration, multiculturalism, and economic pressures in Australia. These findings highlight the challenges of maintaining social cohesion in the face of growing concerns about housing and the cost of living. Key insights: - #Immigration concerns: Nearly half of Australians (49%) believe immigration levels are too high, up from 33% last year. This shift is driven largely by worries about housing affordability and economic pressures, NOT necessarily an anti-migrant sentiment. - #Socialcohesion at risk: Australia’s social cohesion remains at its lowest level since the survey began in 2007. Financial stress is a key factor, with people struggling financially less likely to feel a sense of belonging or acceptance of diversity. - Support for #multiculturalism remains strong but softening: 71% of respondents believe diversity strengthens Australia, though support for multiculturalism has dipped slightly. Negative attitudes toward Muslims (34%) and Jewish people (13%) have increased, influenced by global conflicts. - A nuanced view on #migration: Despite concerns about migration levels, the majority oppose discriminatory immigration policies and support migrants from conflict zones. These findings emphasize the need for thoughtful approaches to economic and social challenges, while ensuring Australia remains inclusive and cohesive. How can we foster trust and belonging as these dynamics continue to evolve? #immigration #diversity #inequality #economicinclusion #belonging #housing #geopolitics #costofliving #infrastructure

Scanlon Institute's 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Report and its findings were featured extensively in Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia World News last night. Check out the coverage: https://lnkd.in/gF4x8iEK #socialcohesion #SFRI

Today has been one of those rare moments that truly leaves an impact. Engaging in the mapping of social cohesion at the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges our marginalizedcommunities face, but also the incredible resilience they carry. As a refugee and immigrant, I’ve often witnessed the delicate balance between holding onto cultural roots and integrating into new spaces. Today’s experience reminded me how crucial it is to create environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging—where no one is left behind due to systemic barriers like financial stress, discrimination, or lack of access to resources. This journey as a community advocate has always been about growth—for myself and for those I represent. I strive to learn, to listen, and to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. Understanding social cohesion is not just about identifying where we are; it’s about envisioning where we can go together. I’m walking away from today inspired and more committed than ever to building bridges that strengthen our communities. The work is ongoing, but the progress is worth every effort. Let’s keep learning and striving for collective growth. 🌍 #SocialCohesion #CommunityAdvocacy #Belonging #RefugeeVoices #GrowthMindset

If you are a bit of a research/data nerd like me, today is an exciting day!!! Every year I look forward to the release of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute Mapping Social Cohesion Report. This week I happened to be on the East Coast to see Pearl Jam - as if this week couldn't get more exciting right!! So I made sure to get along to the launch of the report this morning in Melbourne to hear from the researchers about this year's findings. As always the findings were super interesting and very relevant for those of us working to create more connected and inclusive communities. Since 2007 the Scanlon Foundation has been surveying Australians to understand trends in social cohesion. This means that we can track changes over time across a range of social cohesion indicators - our sense of belonging, participation in community life, financial well-being, social justice and equality, our trust in government and each other, our sense of worth and our views about migration, cultural and religious diversity. This year a huge representative sample of 8000 Australians participated in the survey and a further 40 qualitative interviews were undertaken to explore social cohesion trends. No other country tracks social cohesion like we do. We are very lucky in Australia (thanks to Scanlon Foundation) to have access to such useful research on how we are tracking as a nation on some very very important measures that tell a story of how we live together and how that has changed over time. If you are interested in all things community and cultural diversity, this is the most interesting report you will read all year. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/g24Um66f View the summary video highlights here: https://lnkd.in/ghm_AYXx

The Scanlon Foundation Research Institute 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion report, a unique report of its kind in the world, highlights the evolving state of social cohesion in Australia, providing insights into trust, belonging, and civic participation within Australia. The annual report draws on comprehensive surveys and research to examine the experiences of Australians, focusing on factors such as perceptions of democracy, inclusion, and the challenges of building resilience in diverse communities. Key takeaways from the 2024 findings include: 1. Trust in Institutions: Trust in democratic institutions remains critical for fostering social cohesion. However, concerns about governance, equity, and transparency continue to influence public perceptions. 2. Civic and Political Participation: Programs that encourage civic and political engagement have shown measurable benefits in enhancing community bonds. Effective initiatives often involve leadership training and capacity building, with a focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. 3. Challenges and Resilience: The report emphasizes the importance of building resilience during times of stability to prepare for future crises. This requires proactive policies to strengthen democratic values and social cohesion. 4. Community and Representation: Increasing diversity in leadership and promoting active participation across all societal levels are identified as vital to bridging divides and fostering unity. The homework we receive from Anthea Hancocks was to shared this report with our networks. The report is a vital tool for policymakers, community leaders, and organisations aiming to address social challenges and strengthen community ties. For more information and to access the full 2024 report, visit the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute's website. Thanks for sharing this discussion with me: Guido Oliveira Andrade de Melo, Tigist Kebede, Asami Koike, Edmee Kenny, Zuleika Arashiro, Bel Schenk, Rachel Powning and Mustafa Najib.

What the news is saying about social cohesion today, following our Report release 📰: Guardian: https://lnkd.in/g28_Hk-9 ABC Radio: https://lnkd.in/gz_7Jqsn SBS: https://lnkd.in/g53zkCAH AFR: https://lnkd.in/gi8eCmKJ The Age: https://lnkd.in/gJM96Tb7 #socialcohesion #SFRI

JUST LAUNCHED! The long awaited Mapping Social Cohesion 2024 Report is here! In July 2024, our annual study surveyed over 8,000 Australians with more than 100 questions on key topics such as immigration, financial wellbeing, trust in government, and community life. Now in its 17th year, this report offers valuable insights into how Australians experience social cohesion and belonging across the country. Interested in learning more? The full report is now available to download here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gWfrQcvC #SFRI #SocialCohesion