Consumerism
This term describes the cultural focus on buying and owning goods to express identity and status.
What is consumerism.
In a secular society, citizens have this right to practice any faith—or none at all—without interference from the state.
What is freedom of religion
This immigration policy, officially abolished in the 1970s, restricted non-European migration to Australia.
What is the White Australia Policy
This term describes people in Australia who identify as having no religion — the fastest-growing group according to recent censuses.
Who are the “non-religious” (or secular Australians)
Karl Marx viewed religion as something created by humans to comfort them in hardship, famously calling it this.
What is the “opium of the people”?
This economic system, often tied to consumerism, relies on private ownership and profit-driven markets.
What is capitalism?
This societal outcome occurs when people rely less on religious authorities for moral guidance.
What is declining religious influence (or secularisation)?
This annual event, usually held in March, celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity with community festivals and activities.
What is Harmony Week (or Harmony Day on March 21)
Despite declining church attendance, this religion remains the largest in Australia according to the 2021 Census.
Answer: What is Christianity?
This perspective sees religion as providing meaning, moral guidance, and answers to life’s “big questions.”
What is religion as a belief system?
Consumerism has environmental consequences, including waste and resource depletion, contributing to this global crisis.
What is climate change (or environmental degradation)?
This European movement in the 18th century emphasised reason and science over religious authority, helping to inspire modern secularism.
What is the Enlightenment?
This Australian government department or office often supports programs that encourage harmony between different cultural groups.
What is the Department of Home Affairs (or Australian Multicultural Council)
Some Australians believe religion should have no influence on laws or education — a view known by this term.
What is secularism?
This perspective sees religion as providing meaning, moral guidance, and answers to life’s “big questions.”
What is religion as a belief system?
This global event each November highlights both the power and the excesses of consumer spending, with massive sales and long queues.
Black Friday
Banning religious symbols like headscarves in public schools has sparked debate in this European country known for its strict form of secularism called “laïcité.”
What is France.
Multiculturalism has enriched Australian life through diverse foods, music, and traditions — a process often described by this term.
What is cultural enrichment
Growing numbers of Australians now practise faiths such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, reflecting this broader national trend.
What is religious diversity?
When religion influences government decisions or laws, it is acting in this type of role.
What is a political entity
This industry uses persuasive techniques to convince people to buy what they don’t necessarily need.
What is the advertising industry?
Critics say secularism may create this philosophical challenge, where right and wrong become subjective.
What is Moral relativism
By attracting skilled migrants from many countries, multiculturalism has boosted this key area of Australia’s economy.
What is economic growth (or the labour force)
Younger Australians are less likely to identify with an organised religion but often describe themselves as spiritual — this trend reflects a shift from religion to this.
What is spirituality (or personal spirituality)?
While Marx saw religion as a tool of oppression, Durkheim saw it as this — a reflection of society’s shared moral order.
What is a social construct (or a mirror of collective values)