Question

Explain how major institutions in Australian society can impact on clients as individuals and as part of community and family groups?

Answer 1

Contemporary economic frameworks in Australia are based on a version of capitalism which is characterised by private or corporate ownership of assets and where investors are free to buy, sell, produce and distribute goods with limited government intervention. Social policy is directed towards assisting people who are disadvantaged within this economic system. The concept of inequality is central to this approach to social policy.

Functions of two important institutions in Australian society

Family

From a sociological point of view, the family is a social institution which:

• regulates sexual behaviour and reproduction
• nurtures and protects children (new members of society)
• passes culture from one generation to the next
• provides a stable unit of consumption and production, depending on the type of economy. (Waters and Crook, 1994 p299)

Family can also be a determinant of social status or position, through inheritance. In Australia, this is not as rigid as in some other societies, but family can be a factor in determining an individual’s life chances.

Government:

In most modern societies the government has these functions:

• to preserve and protect the society from external and internal threats
• to encourage citizens to support the values of the society through socialisation and education
• to regulate the economy
• to produce goods and services
• to supervise and resolve conflicts and maintain order
• to protect the rights of citizens.

From a sociological point of view, a healthcare system contributes to the stability of a society by maintaining reasonable health amongst most of the population; it helps society to function by keeping most people, especially those of working and reproductive age, healthy and able to carry out their employment and family roles; it contributes to the economy by keeping the labour force healthy; and it provides care for the ageing sector of the population, which allows family carers to remain, productive members of the workforce.

Australia has a universal healthcare system known as Medicare, which is subsidised by the government through general taxes and ensures affordable (often free) health care to all Australian citizens and permanent residents. This is significantly different from the user-pays system in the US where most health care is privately owned and provided, which results in many people not being able to afford the level of health care they need.

Australia also has a thriving private health sector. Membership of a private health fund is encouraged by the federal government through a subsidy for those who join private health funds.

An important aspect of Australia’s healthcare system is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which subsidises the cost of drugs, making access to medication equitable for all Australians.