An Introduction to Culture, Diversity and Health in Australia

This chapter introduces students to the social and cultural diversity of Australia. It defines diver-sity and notes the extent of diversities across the Australian population. Students then review introductory aspects of health and wellbeing in relation to diversity in Australia and the concept of social determinants of health. In this chapter students will begin the process of self-awareness and self-reflection and be tasked with exploring their own identities within Australia’s diverse context and the ways in which this may impact their health and wellbeing. The chapter finally engages students to start thinking about their role as health care professionals in Australia’s multicultural society and how they can engage with the concepts presented within the book. This chapter will briefly introduce the concept of cultural safety and provide a summary of the book’s three major parts.