Abstract:

Generations of Indigenous individuals have been denied the opportunities and comfortable lifestyle that are available to the majority of Australians. Consequently, certain indigenous Australians are subjected to health standards that have been characterized as "Fourth World." This is incongruous in a nation that prioritizes equality and fairness for all.

The origins of ill health can be better understood by shifting the focus from individual behavior to the social and political circumstances that influence people's lives and, ultimately, their health. It can also serve as a guide for action in order to effect change. The book provides a comprehensive examination of the correlation between health and the social and political environment.

Contributors from various regions of Australia who are highly regarded investigate the long-term health consequences of the Indigenous experience of dispossession, colonial rule, and prejudice. They also investigate the influence of factors such as poverty, class, community and social capital, education, employment, and housing. They examine the social dynamics of policymaking for Indigenous Australians and the interrelation between human rights and health. Lastly, they present a framework for effective health interventions that incorporate social factors.