Many Africans have established themselves successfully into Australian life and culture—but with a struggle. Asmahan’s family migrated after escaping civil war in Somalia, unaccompanied by her father who was denied a visa. While teaching in a juvenile detention centre in Melbourne, she was concerned at the number of incarcerated North-east African youth. These are arguably disproportionately high when compared to other cultural Australian groups. Australian media have reported extensively on African-Australian youth. The reports were often sensationalised: “African gangs in Melbourne a problem, police admit” (2018). Antisocial, threatening and criminal behaviour was recounted when conducted by youth who are identified “… of African appearance…”. Negative labelling is often applied across that population group. The media does not represent young Africans appropriately; they seek sensationalism. Initial migrant arrivals were managed using a Euro-centric approach. The Australian government and the general population responded reluctantly to opening migration to refugees from North-east Africa. They arrived not knowing Australia’s different cultural mores and practices, nor of available international law protections, and little experience of respectful or rights-based treatments (Rice, 2010). Government representatives managed the transition of refugees poorly into Australian life (Rice, 2010). Assimilation was ad hoc and dysfunctional, resulting in some demonstrating antisocial and even criminal behaviours. Australia retains a residual attitude based upon the White Australia Policy (Immigration Restriction Bill 1901), influencing community and organisational prejudice and reluctance in providing appropriate support. So, many African-Australian youth are currently experiencing an identity crisis. Some are themselves refugees, while others are first generation Australian; they are still figuring out who they are and where they fit in this world. Personal histories of some African-Australians are presented, including a young man whose story illustrates what many pass through. Two women’s stories are also presented, by way of contrast. African-Australians are viewed as apparent targets of social concern and non-assimilation—and ongoing racism. These stories reveal social distancing whereby individuals and population groups are virtually and actually marginalised, disempowered: they are socially disabled. Characteristics of ‘disability’ are aligned with socio-cultural attitudes towards Africans—the similarity is evident. This chapter can present little more than an awareness of a population group which struggles to be fully accepted and assimilated into a comparatively stable society. Socially distancing and discriminatory attitudes still exist in Australia, resulting in anxiety and disruptive behaviours, and feelings of not belonging (Gatwiri & James, 2024). They are socially disempowered—disabled.

Social Disability and Exclusion of Young African-Australians in Australia

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发表日期：

2026年

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Phil Doecke,
Asmahan Jama

摘要

Many Africans have established themselves successfully into Australian life and culture—but with a struggle. Asmahan’s family migrated after escaping civil war in Somalia, unaccompanied by her father who was denied a visa. While teaching in a juvenile detention centre in Melbourne, she was concerned at the number of incarcerated North-east African youth. These are arguably disproportionately high when compared to other cultural Australian groups. Australian media have reported extensively on African-Australian youth. The reports were often sensationalised: “African gangs in Melbourne a problem, police admit” (2018). Antisocial, threatening and criminal behaviour was recounted when conducted by youth who are identified “… of African appearance…”. Negative labelling is often applied across that population group. The media does not represent young Africans appropriately; they seek sensationalism. Initial migrant arrivals were managed using a Euro-centric approach. The Australian government and the general population responded reluctantly to opening migration to refugees from North-east Africa. They arrived not knowing Australia’s different cultural mores and practices, nor of available international law protections, and little experience of respectful or rights-based treatments (Rice, 2010). Government representatives managed the transition of refugees poorly into Australian life (Rice, 2010). Assimilation was ad hoc and dysfunctional, resulting in some demonstrating antisocial and even criminal behaviours. Australia retains a residual attitude based upon the White Australia Policy (Immigration Restriction Bill 1901), influencing community and organisational prejudice and reluctance in providing appropriate support. So, many African-Australian youth are currently experiencing an identity crisis. Some are themselves refugees, while others are first generation Australian; they are still figuring out who they are and where they fit in this world. Personal histories of some African-Australians are presented, including a young man whose story illustrates what many pass through. Two women’s stories are also presented, by way of contrast. African-Australians are viewed as apparent targets of social concern and non-assimilation—and ongoing racism. These stories reveal social distancing whereby individuals and population groups are virtually and actually marginalised, disempowered: they are socially disabled. Characteristics of ‘disability’ are aligned with socio-cultural attitudes towards Africans—the similarity is evident. This chapter can present little more than an awareness of a population group which struggles to be fully accepted and assimilated into a comparatively stable society. Socially distancing and discriminatory attitudes still exist in Australia, resulting in anxiety and disruptive behaviours, and feelings of not belonging (Gatwiri & James, 2024). They are socially disempowered—disabled.