Australia is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse societies—but is it truly multicultural?

In Episode 116 of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with Associate Professor Salvatore Babones, political sociologist at the University of Sydney, about immigration, assimilation and what he calls “the multicultural myth.”

Babones argues that Australia is a multiracial society held together by a broadly shared national culture—not a collection of separate cultures living under entirely different social rules. He explains why most Australians may be “secret assimilationists,” how the language of multiculturalism can nevertheless serve a valuable social purpose, and why importing historical ethnic conflicts can undermine cohesion.


SHOW NOTES & FURTHER READING

About Salvatore Babones

Associate Professor Salvatore Babones is a political sociologist at the University of Sydney. His research and commentary examine democracy, social cohesion, immigration, education and the political challenges confronting contemporary Western societies. He is the author or editor of numerous books and writes regularly for Australian and international publications.


Salvatore Babones — “Monoculturalism Is Not a Dirty Word”

The article underpinning Salvatore’s argument that Australia can be a multiracial society while maintaining a shared national culture. 

Dr John Bruni — “The AfD and Meeting Reality” Related analysis examining Germany’s migration debate, the rise of the AfD and the increasingly contentious concept of remigration.

https://jbruni.substack.com/p/when-remigration-meets-reality

 

Australia is one of the world&rsquo;s most ethnically diverse societies&mdash;but is it truly multicultural?
In Episode 116 of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with Associate Professor Salvatore Babones, political sociologist at the University of Sydney, about immigration, assimilation and what he calls &ldquo;the multicultural myth.&rdquo;
Babones argues that Australia is a multiracial society held together by a broadly shared national culture&mdash;not a collection of separate cultures living under entirely different social rules. He explains why most Australians may be &ldquo;secret assimilationists,&rdquo; how the language of multiculturalism can nevertheless serve a valuable social purpose, and why importing historical ethnic conflicts can undermine cohesion.
 SHOW NOTES &amp; FURTHER READING
About Salvatore Babones
Associate Professor Salvatore Babones is a political sociologist at the University of Sydney. His research and commentary examine democracy, social cohesion, immigration, education and the political challenges confronting contemporary Western societies. He is the author or editor of numerous books and writes regularly for Australian and international publications.
 Salvatore Babones &mdash; &ldquo;Monoculturalism Is Not a Dirty Word&rdquo;
The article underpinning Salvatore&rsquo;s argument that Australia can be a multiracial society while maintaining a shared national culture. 
Dr John Bruni &mdash; &ldquo;The AfD and Meeting Reality&rdquo; Related analysis examining Germany&rsquo;s migration debate, the rise of the AfD and the increasingly contentious concept of remigration.
https://jbruni.substack.com/p/when-remigration-meets-reality
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The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical  think tank.

Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.

Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus&nbsp;is the flagship current affairs podcast of&nbsp;SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical &nbsp;think tank.
Hosted by&nbsp;Dr. John Bruni&mdash;a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media&mdash;The Focus&nbsp;brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the&nbsp;Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for&nbsp;Jane&rsquo;s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.
Produced by&nbsp;Neil Smart,&nbsp;The Focus&nbsp;cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.