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There is need for a theorizing that focusses on urban
Aboriginal people, a theorizing that recognises their situation is
different from the tradition-oriented model, and recognises that
Withintheurban situation there are differences among Aborigines.
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In particular, if Aborigines are to form groups within which
they locate an Aboriginal identity then the crucial issue is
that of autonomy,
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From the example of Strelley we can isolate the following areas
in which autonomy is exercised:
(i) political structures
(ii) economic structures
(iii) social structures
(i) Political autonomy within the group; leadership roles
As the traditional urban Aboriginal leaders die out (the
Aimtie Glads and Auntie Olgas) leadership of Aborigines in a
white world will come more and more to be associated with status
afforded through employment. In the field of employment, most
opportunities available to Aboriginal people, who are able, but
without a great deal of education, are ’closed’ positions, jobs
for which Aboriginal people do not have the qualifications to
compete on the open market,
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Without further education, opportunities will remain closed,
the people insecure, their jobs subject to the vagaries of funding,
without real career opportunities, the possibility of emerging
leadership uncertain.
It is argued that social∕occupational status will be achieved
1
through higher standards of education .
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ɪlt should be noted that the situation of the Aboriginal people
may be equated with that in developing Third World countries, where
education for the masses is a prime objective.