Mapping social cohesion 2010 - summary report

This summary report presents the findings of the third Scanlon Foundation Mapping Social Cohesion Survey conducted in June 2010. It builds on the knowledge gained in the two earlier Scanlon Foundation surveys conducted in 2007 and 2009 to provide a broad insight into Australian attitudes at a time of widespread discussion of population issues. It  includes new modules to explore attitudes to future population growth and asylum issues. 

The 2010 survey registered a marked shift in attitudes to  immigration, but the level of negative sentiment remains relatively low when considered in the context of polling over the last twenty years. Those who agree  with the view that the immigration intake is ‘too high’ increased from 37% in 2009 to 47% in 2010, while 45% consider the intake to be ‘about right’ or ‘too low’.