Peace, Adrian John2008-02-142008-02-142001International encyclopedia of the social & behavioral sciences / editors in chief Neil J. Smelser and Paul B. Baltes, pp.960-9630080430767http://hdl.handle.net/2440/40671Copyright © 2001 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Contemporary Australian society is characterized by a notable paradox. On the one hand, the country is prosperous and stable, on the other there is a constant and critical interrogation of its cultural and national identity. This paradox is explored by examination of major changes to the social fabric, notably rural transformation, urban developments, inequalities of class, immigration and the ideology of multiculturalism, and the influence of global culture.enBook chapter00200747062008021409561110.1016/B0-08-043076-7/00808-1