Inter-Ethnic Partnering in Australia: Evidence from 2021 Census

Dharma Arunachalam, Monash University
Benjamin Lewis, Monash University
Helen Forbes-Mewitt, Monash University
Andrew Markus, Monash University

Cultural diversity in Australia has increased since the turn of this century. Although an overwhelming majority of Australians support this diversity, there are concerns that many migrants do not integrate into mainstream society. Intermarriage or inter-ethnic partnering is considered a key marker and means of integration. In this paper, we build on past research on intermarriage by documenting the ethnic patterns of intermarriage using the 2021 census data. The paper explores: how intermarriage varies by ethnicity/country of origin, gender and generation. The findings will provide insights into the different level and rates at which ethnic communities integrate, how intermarriage embodies Australian multiculturalism, and the enablers and barriers to inter-cultural partnering from both ethnic communities and the broader Australian society.

Keywords: Migrant Populations and Refugees, International Migration, Families, Unions and Households

See extended abstract.