Racism and Injustice: Urban Aboriginal Women's Experiences when Patronising Licensed Premises in South Australia

Abstract

This paper presents the findings regarding urban, predominantly young, Aboriginal women's experiences of patronising licensed premises in South Australia. This research aimed to tap new information directly from the experiences of participants who lived in the southern metropolitan region of South Australia. It focused on their experiences of socialising at licensed premises such as pubs and clubs, locally, and in the city of Adelaide. A qualitative research design within the critical social Scientific paradigm was applied using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The recommendations developed from the findings, and the final community report, were developed collaboratively with participants and other Aboriginal women from their local community. Consistent with the experiences of other young non-Aboriginal women in South Australia, as reported by the chief investigator of this study, the findings of this research show that Aboriginal women try to enjoy socialising with friends and family in licensed premises such as pubs and clubs. However, the Aboriginal women were constrained by frequently experiencing racism and injustices when they tried to enter, or when inside, pubs and clubs. Being accused of stealing, prevented from entering or being expelled from venues, racist comments and being subjected to physical violence, conflict with bar and security staff and non-Aboriginal patrons, as well as lack of safety, were some of the issues these Aboriginal women have experienced in licensed premises in urban and suburban South Australia. This research now offers recommendations from the women that call for important changes in policy and service provision that can improve the conditions of Aboriginal women when they are visiting licensed premises.