Pervasive social inequalities in child health in Australia: The role of racism

The health and social disadvantage faced by the Indigenous peoples of Australia (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) is an acknowledged part of Australian society. The contemporary data reveal striking inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in most measurable aspects of wellbeing across the life cycle. The reasons for these disparities and the poor state of Aboriginal health in Australia are complex and multifaceted, although racism is increasingly being implicated as a key determinant of Aboriginal health.

This presentation will review the levels of racism faced by Aboriginal peoples and the nature of its relationship with the physical and mental health of Aboriginal populations. Carrington will argue that a more sophisticated understanding of the dynamic relationship between racism, socioeconomic disadvantage and health will be fundamental to processes that aim to reduce health inequality in Australia.