Issues in Australian Environments: Spatial Inequality

Here are some books that you may find useful during your studies.  Search the Bennies catalogue Accessit for more, or browse the Non-fiction collection NFS..

In recent decades the benefits of strong economic growth have flown disproportionately to the rich and economic inequality is growing rapidly in Australia. This is not only unfair it also poses threats to community wellbeing, health, social stability, sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

The measurement of poverty cannot be undertaken independently of national customs, values and standards of living. This means that in a relatively affluent country like Australia, the meaning of poverty is quite different from the absolute deprivation or subsistence poverty which exists in many developing countries.

Population Statistics of Australia ABS

Sydney has emerged as Australia's most unequal major city with the richest 1 per cent of earners snaring more than 11 per cent of all the income.

Australia has a long and proud tradition of equality, but in recent decades the benefits of strong economic growth have flowed disproportionately to the rich. In the wake of a declining resources boom, there is a growing gulf between those in the top range and those in the lower ranges of wealth and income distributions.

Is Australia really an egalitarian society? Do our tax and welfare systems still operate to keep the income gap between rich and poor from increasing too much? How is wealth distributed? What is the social wage? This program answers these questions and more.

•     Current Environmental Issues 

  Current Environmental Issues is a collection of newspaper articles presenting current issues facing the environment and the people and technologies overcoming environmental challenges. Articles cover topics including waste disposal, renewable energy, wildlife conservation and activism.
•     Current Social Issues 

  Current Social Issues is a collection of newspaper articles presenting current issues in society including human rights, ethics, politics, war and science. Articles cover topics including cloning, education, immigration, crime, censorship. Very useful for students studying society, culture, current affairs and global issues.
• ​    Geodate 

  This journal is designed for teachers and students of geography and environmental studies. Topics include environmentalism, conservation, politics, water supply, health and global finance. Includes maps and diagrams to further illustrate the topic issues.

   

      National Geographic

  This journal covers issues in the environment, natural history, biology, conservationism, geography and current affairs. Published by the National Geographic Society, a non-profit organisation determined to increase widespread geographic knowledge.

How does income inequality compare to more traditional measures of disadvantage, like poverty?

Excessive inequality in any society is harmful. It is harmful to the ability of people to participate in social and economic opportunities, and it undermines social cohesion.

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Digital Editions- Sydney Districts