Understanding Poverty, Inequality and Social Disadvantage in Australia

Dedicated to shaping awareness of social welfare issues, the Social Policy Research Centre at UNSW Sydney places a strong emphasis on research in areas such as poverty, inequality, wellbeing, and justice.

Through a concentrated approach grounded in research and practical impact, this specialised short course examines the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality. It offers a unique Australian policy perspective, utilising evidence-based methodologies to drive meaningful social change.

Join a community of experts with lived experience, advocates, and researchers committed to improving the living standards and opportunities of people living in Australia facing social and economic disadvantage.

Together, let's make a lasting impact and build a more equitable future for people living in Australia, regardless of their circumstances.

What will I learn?

This course offers a distinctive viewpoint by combining the insights of individuals with lived experiences, advocates, and researchers, all striving to improve the well-being and opportunities for people living in Australia experiencing social and economic disadvantage. 

You'll delve into varied topics to enrich your comprehension of the primary drivers influencing poverty, inequality, and social disadvantage, whilst examining the transformative potential of actionable policies in instigating positive social change.

Learners will gain knowledge and skills relating to:

1. theoretical conceptualisations of poverty and inequality;
2. analysis of poverty and inequality in Australia and cross-nationally;
3. exploration of the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality; and
4. practical knowledge of the impacts and advocacy for change. 

Additionally, this course will explore the complex interation between economic resources, employment, housing, health and broader social policy systems. It will also destigmatise the concepts of poverty, inequality, and social disadvantage to provide a contemporary perspective on what these issues look like in the specific context of Australia.

How will I learn?

Throughout the course, you will explore recent scholarly research, participate in activities designed to encourage debate and discussion, and emerge with the knowledge and skills to shape policies aimed at supporting people facing social and economic disadvantage.

The course will be delivered online with a combination of live sessions and self-paced modules spread across 7 weeks, inclusive of a 1-week study break.

The online platform will be accessible one week before the start date, providing pre-learning materials for participants to prepare ahead of the first live lecture.

Live Lecture Dates

• Module 01 | 15 October
• Module 02 | 22 October
• Module 03 | 29 October
• Module 04 | 06 November
• Module 05 | 12 November
• Module 06 | 26 November

All live lectures are scheduled from 6:00pm to 8:15pm Australian (Sydney) time, with a 15-minute break included.

Who should take this course?

Professionals, advocates and researchers working in social policy across the for-profit, not-for-profit and government sectors or individuals with an interest in supporting their organisation’s advocacy for social change in Australia.

Who is leading this course?

Course Conveners

Dr Yuvisthi Naidoo is a Senior Research Fellow at the Social Policy Research Centre. She is an internationally recognised expert on the measurement and understanding of living standards. Her research program has direct policy relevance to improve the lives of socially and economically disadvantaged people. As an experienced mixed-method researcher, Yuvisthi’s projects have provided an evidence-base across a broad range of critical social policy issues, including poverty and inequality; deprivation and social exclusion; costs of living and well-being. Applying these research foci across the life course, Yuvisthi has published on ageing societies, social security recipients, gender equity and the status of children and families.

Dr Bruce Bradbury is an Associate Professor at the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC). Bruce undertakes research on poverty and inequality, the measurement of living standards, income support and labour market policies, consumer equivalence scales, and the geographic dimensions of social policies.

In 2023, Drs Naidoo and Bradbury collaborated on the Budget Standards for Low-Paid Families research project, funded by the Fair Work Commission.

Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS)

ACOSS has partnered with UNSW Sydney to undertake a research and impact collaboration to sharpen the national focus on poverty and inequality in Australia. The partnership monitors trends in poverty and inequality over time, explores drivers, and develops solutions to sharpen the focus and stimulate action to tackle policy challenges.

Aspects of this short course have been developed in collaboration with ACOSS.