Volume 15, 2006

Issue N. 2

Jeremy Northcote, Peter Hancock and Suzy Casimiro

"Breaking the Isolation Cycle: The Experience of Muslim Refugee Women in Australia," Vol. 15 (2), pp. 177-199, 2006
 

Based on the findings of focus groups and key informant interviews, an ‘isolation cycle’ is proposed to conceptualize the interrelated processes that marginalize first generation migrant Muslim refugee women from meaningful participation in Australian society. We hold that both internal ‘ethnic’ factors and external societal factors are jointly involved in perpetuating a cycle of isolation for Muslim refugee women. Hence, we propose that the tendency of social analysts, politicians and media commentators alike to focus on one group over the other as a means of casting ‘blame’ on difficulties surrounding integration is misguided. We conclude that more attention is required by Australian services and government agencies in breaking the isolation cycle through a more sustained, pro-active strategy directed not only at refugee settlers, but Australian society in general.

 

Ronald Francis, Anona Armstrong and Vicky Totikidis
"Ethnicity and Crime: A Statewide Analysis by Local Government Areas in Victoria, Australia," Vol. 15 (2), pp. 201-217, 2006
 

Two approaches have dominated the study of crime using local government area-level analysis: one looks intensively at particular local areas and the other considers a set of population data derived from a number of local areas. This study is of the second kind. It is based on parametric data, and is thus a “population” study rather than a sampling one. Data on police-recorded crime rates and selected ethnicity variables were obtained from all local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria, Australia. The general findings suggest that high proportions of Australian-born residents were related to lower property crime rates and, perhaps more importantly, Australian citizenship was significantly related to lower crime rates across LGAs. Although interpreting official statistics presents problems, it is valuable to examine these comprehensive population data on crime and ethnicity. The clear but unexpected relationships between crime on the one hand, and birthplace and citizenship on the other is deserving of further study.

 

Akashi Junichi
"Challenging Japan's Refugee Policies," Vol. 15 (2), pp. 219-238, 2006
 

This article examines the development of Japan’s refugee policies since the early 1980s to the present. Although it is well-known that the Japanese government has kept refugees out for a long period of time, there is a need to examine why this is so. By focusing on discourses and practices at various levels in the domain of refugee policy, especially organizational interests and their significant influences, this article demonstrates the circumstances under which Japan’s refugee policies have been challenged, but remained unchanged.

I Lin Sin
"Malaysian Students in Australia: The Pursuit of Upward Mobility," Vol. 15 (2), pp. 239-6, 2006

This article reports the findings of a predominantly qualitative study on the main factors that guide the initial migration of Malaysian students to Australia and their aspirations to stay on or leave the host country upon graduation. It also examines whether they deliberately seek qualifications that help them secure permanent residence. The students who do not intend to migrate permanently expressed a preference to remain for a while in Australia for mostly employment and income-related reasons.
 

RESEARCH NOTE
 

Saburo Omura, Michael Hills and Jane Ritchie
"An Exploratory Study of the Sexual Health Knowledge and Attitudes of Asian Male Student Sojourners in New Zealand," Vol. 15 (2), pp. 267-276, 2006
 

This study looked into the sexual and general health attitudes of Asian male student sojourners in New Zealand. The following issues on sexual and general health were probed: level of awareness, views and perceptions, levels of knowledge, main sources of information, and cultural factors in seeking health information. An Internet-mediated survey was employed to gather data on this sensitive topic. Sixty-six participants from Waikato, Massey, Canterbury, and Otago Universities answered the questionnaire. In addition, key-informant interviews with health providers were conducted to provide additional data. Data from the survey indicated a high level of health awareness concerning both general and sexual health maintenance, but there was cultural reluctance to discuss health issues, especially sexual health. General and sexual health matters were regarded as highly personal and sensitive, which they discussed with close associates. Findings from the study suggest the need for culturally appropriate approaches to improve Asian male students’ access to health services.


CONFERENCE REPORT
 

Ronald Skeldon
Recent Trends in Migration in East and Southeast Asia," Vol. 15 (2), pp. 277-293, 2006


BOOK REVIEW
 

Alan Feranil
"Nurses on the Move: Migration and the Global Health Care Economy," Edited by Mireille Kingma, Vol. 15 (2), pp. 295-297, 2006