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24.34 (c) Discussion
Responses to Statement 30 show that the 75.2 per cent of
Aborigines rejected the notion that they went to school only
because they had to. IVhile attendance at school may have a point
in numbers of ways, information was sought in particular on
whether a connection was seen between schooling and obtaining a
job. Sixty-four point nine per cent of Aborigines believed that
there was a point in staying on at school to get a job (Statement 6).
Seventy-six point one per cent agreed that the best way to get a
job was through trying hard at school (Statement 2). Fifty nine point
four per cent rejected the statement that no matter how hard they
tried, they wouldn’t get a job.
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For the majority of Aboriginal respondents, schooling was
valued in itself and was seen as Connectedwithobtaining a job.
There was obviously a high degree of positive belief in the value
of schooling, and in the interest of teaehersɪ. Responses to
Statement 20 showed a positive attitude to the hope of getting a
job, strongly rejecting (74.4 per cent) acceptance of ending up
on the dole, a surprising response in view of the high unemployment
rate in the eighties.
Sixty five point five per cent rejected the notion that they
would give up if things got difficult at school. Withdrawal,
giving up hope, was rejected by themajority of the group.
Non-Aborigines reflected the same views. There was support
for seeing the school as having value in itself (73.5 per cent).
School was seen as providing the avenue for employment (80.1 per
cent). There was a rejection of ending up on the dole (85.1 per
cent) and giving up when things get hard (76.21 per cent).
The two groups came very close together on support for Statements
2, 6, 30, 9, which touched on the value of schooling both in itself
and as a means to employment.
ɪsee Statement 7, p. 406 above.
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