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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
08:01
Virtual Hand with Ambiguous Movement between the Self and Other Origin: Sense of Ownership and 'Other-Produced' Agency
Published on: October 28, 2020
'Living between two worlds': who is living in whose worlds?
1Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. b.mccoy@latrobe.edu.au
Summary
Indigenous Australians navigate complex cultural identities, challenging the notion of being
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Cultural Studies
- Indigenous Studies
Background:
- The concept of Indigenous peoples existing 'between two worlds' is a common, yet often negative, depiction.
- This framing suggests individuals are caught between Indigenous and Western cultures, leading to adverse outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the nature of this 'in-between' cultural space.
- To investigate the capacity for Indigenous Australians to form identities within contemporary Australian society.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of cultural perceptions.
- Exploration of identity development within bicultural contexts.
Main Results:
- Modern individuals fluidly engage with multiple cultural spheres.
- Negative perceptions of Indigenous identity hinder their resilience and adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Non-Indigenous perspectives often undervalue Indigenous resilience in managing diverse life pressures.
- Perpetuating negative stereotypes undermines Indigenous efforts to integrate modernity with cultural values, impacting health and wellbeing.
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