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HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 057

Evaluate how cultural influences affect the health and wellbeing of young people in Australia today compared to previous generations.   (8 marks)

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Evaluation Statement

  • Cultural influences prove partially effective in supporting young Australian’s health compared to previous generations.
  • This evaluation examines how living in a multicultural society promotes health and what effect social media has on these cultural influences for the current generation.

Multicultural exposure

  • Today’s multicultural communities offer young Australians access to numerous traditional and modern health practices.
  • Young people are often able to access traditional diets and healing practices alongside Western offerings. For example, young people today can gain exposure to Mediterranean diets, Asian mindfulness practices, and Indigenous connection to country.
  • Previous generations experienced limited cultural health perspectives. 
  • While strong in broadening health understanding, cultural influences can also have a negative influence on mental health wellbeing. An example is the identity confusion for some young people who find managing multiple cultures difficult.

Cultural influences on health and social media

  • Social media platforms are somewhat effective in promoting healthy behaviour through cultural movements.
  • Evidence supporting this includes #fitspo and wellness trends rapidly changing exercise habits among youth. Mental health movements like R U OK? reach millions, normalising help-seeking behaviours impossible for previous generations.
  • Although effective for spreading awareness, it proves less suitable for deep cultural understanding.
  • Previous generations developed deeper connections through direct community involvement. Despite social media’s wider reach, it fails to achieve the depth of authentic cultural interaction.

Final Evaluation

  • Weighing these factors shows cultural influences create mixed outcomes for today’s youth.
  • The strengths however outweigh the weaknesses because increased cultural awareness provides more health resources than previous generations accessed.
  • The overall evaluation demonstrates need for balance between digital exposure and authentic cultural engagement.
  • Young Australians benefit from unprecedented cultural diversity but require guidance to navigate competing influences effectively.
Show Worked Solution

Evaluation Statement

  • Cultural influences prove partially effective in supporting young Australian’s health compared to previous generations.
  • This evaluation examines how living in a multicultural society promotes health and what effect social media has on these cultural influences for the current generation.

Multicultural exposure

  • Today’s multicultural communities offer young Australians access to numerous traditional and modern health practices.
  • Young people are often able to access traditional diets and healing practices alongside Western offerings. For example, young people today can gain exposure to Mediterranean diets, Asian mindfulness practices, and Indigenous connection to country.
  • Previous generations experienced limited cultural health perspectives. 
  • While strong in broadening health understanding, cultural influences can also have a negative influence on mental health wellbeing. An example is the identity confusion for some young people who find managing multiple cultures difficult.

Cultural influences on health and social media

  • Social media platforms are somewhat effective in promoting healthy behaviour through cultural movements.
  • Evidence supporting this includes #fitspo and wellness trends rapidly changing exercise habits among youth. Mental health movements like R U OK? reach millions, normalising help-seeking behaviours impossible for previous generations.
  • Although effective for spreading awareness, it proves less suitable for deep cultural understanding.
  • Previous generations developed deeper connections through direct community involvement. Despite social media’s wider reach, it fails to achieve the depth of authentic cultural interaction.

Final Evaluation

  • Weighing these factors shows cultural influences create mixed outcomes for today’s youth.
  • The strengths however outweigh the weaknesses because increased cultural awareness provides more health resources than previous generations accessed.
  • The overall evaluation demonstrates need for balance between digital exposure and authentic cultural engagement.
  • Young Australians benefit from unprecedented cultural diversity but require guidance to navigate competing influences effectively.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 047 MC

How did the adoption of multiculturalism in the 1970s affect young people in Australia?

  1. It caused economic decline and fewer employment opportunities.
  2. It reduced the diversity of cultural practices in Australia.
  3. It exposed Australians to various cultural traditions and customs.
  4. It primarily influenced only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
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\(C\)

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  • C is correct as it exposed Australians to various cultural practices including traditions, beliefs and customs from around the world.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect because evidence shows that multiculturalism boosted the Australian economy.
  • B is incorrect as multiculturalism increased, not reduced, diversity.
  • D is incorrect since multiculturalism broadly affected Australian society.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 046 MC

Which of the following best explains how cultural influence on young people has changed over time?

  1. Cultural influence has shifted from local to more global and digital platforms.
  2. Cultural influence now impacts fewer aspects of young people's lives.
  3. Cultural influence is less important to young people's identity formation today.
  4. Culture no longer influences young people's health behaviours.
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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: Young people now receive cultural influence from global digital platforms rather than just local communities.

Other options:

  • B is incorrect: Cultural influence actually impacts more life aspects through constant digital connectivity and social media.
  • C is incorrect: Cultural influence remains central to identity formation, just delivered through different digital channels.
  • D is incorrect: Culture still significantly influences health behaviors through social media trends like vaping and fitness.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 053

Describe the changing patterns of youth culture across generations and the effect this has on young people's sense of identity and belonging.   (4 marks)

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  • Youth culture has evolved significantly, from the 1950s-60s rock and roll era, through the 1960s counterculture, 1970s punk movement, 1990s rave scene, to today’s social media-driven communities.
  • Each cultural movement is characterised by distinct music, fashion, and values that provide young people with visible means to express their identity and differentiate themselves from mainstream society.
  • These cultural expressions enable young people to establish connections with like-minded peers, creating a sense of belonging during the challenging adolescent years.
  • Despite changing forms across generations, youth cultures consistently serve as vehicles for identity formation, self-esteem and social belonging. In this way it fulfils the same psychological needs even as its form of expression evolves.
Show Worked Solution
  • Youth culture has evolved significantly, from the 1950s-60s rock and roll era, through the 1960s counterculture, 1970s punk movement, 1990s rave scene, to today’s social media-driven communities.
  • Each cultural movement is characterised by distinct music, fashion, and values that provide young people with visible means to express their identity and differentiate themselves from mainstream society.
  • These cultural expressions enable young people to establish connections with like-minded peers, creating a sense of belonging during the challenging adolescent years.
  • Despite changing forms across generations, youth cultures consistently serve as vehicles for identity formation, self-esteem and social belonging. In this way it fulfils the same psychological needs even as its form of expression evolves.