Australia’s social cohesion has shown resilience amidst economic challenges and concerns about unrest in the Middle East but is under strain regarding immigration, with nearly half the population believing immigration levels are too high, according to new research.
The Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s annual *Mapping Social Cohesion* survey evaluates participants’ sense of belonging, inclusion, justice, political engagement, and attitudes toward diversity, producing an index to track changes over time. The 2024 survey included nearly 8,000 randomly selected respondents and an additional 229 targeted participants, primarily overseas-born Australians. An accompanying qualitative study, based on interviews with 45 individuals, explored polarization.
The 2024 social cohesion index scored 78, matching 2023 but remaining the lowest since the survey began in 2007, continuing a gradual decline since 2008. Financial stress persists, with 41% of respondents saying they are “just getting by,” a 10-point increase since 2021.
While support for multiculturalism remains strong, with 85% viewing it positively and 82% linking it to economic benefits, these figures have declined slightly from 2023. Attitudes towards immigration were mixed: 71% agreed that diversity strengthens Australia, and 83% opposed rejecting migrants based on ethnicity or religion. However, 49% felt immigration levels were too high, a significant increase from 33% in 2023 and 24% in 2022.
The survey also highlighted growing negativity toward major faith groups, influenced by Middle East tensions. Positive attitudes toward Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist communities have declined since last year. For instance, only 18% held positive views toward Muslims (down from 24%), while positivity toward Jewish people fell from 38% to 30%. Negative perceptions of Muslims (34%) have decreased since their peak (40% in 2018–2020) but have risen for Jewish people, from 9% in 2023 to 13%.
Dr. James O’Donnell, the survey’s lead author and an ANU demography lecturer, noted that despite challenges, social cohesion has remained stable, reflecting resilience amid global turmoil. He highlighted the rise in concerns about immigration as the most significant shift over the past two years, influenced by political discourse around reducing migration.
The study also found declining trust in government, which had surged during the pandemic but has since returned to pre-pandemic levels. Financial pressures were linked to lower trust in institutions, with social media companies receiving the lowest trust ratings. Political engagement remained steady, with 53% reporting they had signed a petition in the past year.
O’Donnell emphasized that while Australia faces similar pressures as the US and Europe, its support for diversity and migration is relatively robust, avoiding the divisiveness seen elsewhere.
