Diversity in Australian higher education: an empirical analysis

Abstract

The concept of diversity has been part of the Australian government's higher education agenda for quite a considerable period of time. Yet empirical studies on the actual state of diversity in the sector are limited, which raises questions regarding the factual basis for the policy claims made. With this in mind, this paper seeks to assess the degree of diversity within the Australian higher education sector through an analysis of the perceptions, aspirations and reported activities of Australian academics in terms of their teaching, research and community service. Using data collected in the 2007 international Changing Nature of the Academic Profession survey, we are able to cautiously conclude that some diversity appears to exist, however not to the extent one might expect given the importance placed on institutional groupings in the Australian higher education debate.