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Analyzed trends in male-female suicide ratio in Australia, using data for 1901-85. Found that modernization, measured by index composed of female participation in labor force and urbanization rate, was positively related to male-female suicide ratio. Also found that female suicide rate in Australia has been falling significantly since mid-1960s. (Author/NB)

Using specially generated tabulations of Muslim and non-Muslim Australians from the 2006 Census, this paper examines the social and economic position of Muslims in Australia and implications for their social inclusion. Although Australian Muslims come from more than 130 countries, the largest number, 38%, are Australian-born and almost 40% are younger than 20 years of age. Educationally they are high-achievers but on all indicators of socioeconomic well-being they fall into a very disadvantaged category. Twenty-one% of adult Muslim men have a university degree compared with 15% of non-Muslim Australians, yet their age-specific unemployment rates are two to four times higher than those of non-Muslim Australian; their rate of home ownership is half the national average; 40% of Muslim children are living in poverty and only 25% of Muslim households have above-average household. Thus, a significant proportion of Muslim Australians occupy a relatively marginal position both socially and economically in Australian society. This marginalisation fosters intergenerational transfer of disadvantage and may also contribute to their alienation from Australian society and its values which makes them vulnerable to religious and non-religious radicalism. The paper will argue that socioeconomic marginalisation and a sense of relative deprivation are often breeding grounds for religious and non-religious radicalisation. Theological and ideological impulses only further galvanise those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in medical knowledge and technology are enabling snore people to live longer hi modern societies. This situation has also created dilemmas for medical practitioners in treating severely or chronically ill patients where the harm caused to them by treatment appears to outweigh the benefits. After reviewing some of the major legal and ethical issues confronting medical practitioners hi Australia, this paper reports findings of a survey of Australian doctors 'attitudes towards euthanasia. The findings show that a significant number of doctors receive requests front either the patients or their families to hasten death through active or passive euthanasia. A large majority of them also regard some form of passive euthanasia as an acceptable medical decision concerning the end of life. Twenty per cent of general practitioners and 17 per cent of specialists surveyed have taken active steps in the past to hasten the death of a patient. This paper explores the circumstances hi which doctors are prepared to perform euthanasia and concludes with a discussion of the legal, ethical and professional issues raised by the survey's findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the results of a study on the decisions made by Australian health professionals concerning the management of death, dying and euthanasia. Tension between the physicians' roles of sustaining life and relieving pain; Debates regarding proper medical care; Views of Medical practitioners on the legalization of active euthanasia.

Presents the results of a study on the housing or residential choices of immigrants in Australia. Indications from other studies; Use of survey for National Housing Strategy of Department of Health, Housing and Community Services; Main reasons for residential choices; Importance of affordability, closeness to work and neighborhood services in choices; Assessment of regional differences.

The article discusses the social factors that contribute to the increase of suicide rates among adolescent and young adults in Australia. It stresses that suicide is a major social and public health problem in the country, which leads to emotional and financial cost and a concern for the criminal justice system. These social factors include marital status, economic cycles, and occupation. It presents the sociological analysis of the causes of suicidal behavior which shows that relational problems, social disorientation, and instrumental factors contribute to the suicidal ideation most commonly among young men. It highlights the efforts of the National Health and Medical Research Council in coordinating with mental health organizations in promoting suicide prevention programs.