Dr James O'Donnell, ANU School of Demography, recently launched the 2023 Mapping Social Cohesion report, drawing attention to the top issues impacting Australians' sense of belonging, pride, and social cohesion in 2023. This multi-year study, generously funded by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, evidences that economic and social issues, compounded with growing concern about inequality, has seen social cohesion in Australia plummet to its lowest level in 16 years.  

The 2023 Mapping Social Cohesion study of more than 7,500 people found almost half of participants, 48 per cent, believe economic issues are the most important set of problems facing Australia today, followed by housing affordability and shortages (14 per cent). 

Read more about Dr O'Donnell's social cohesion research in the ANU Reporter, or read the full 2023 Mapping Social Cohesion Report for more information.