The social diversity that is increasingly a part of Australian society includes new religious groups and new immigrant groups, as they interact with established ethnic and religious groups, and Indigenous peoples. Social processes and sociologically informed social policy are key to understanding and responding constructively to this diversity to minimise discrimination and facilitate constructive community building.  The unit critically examines the Australian post-war immigration program, and the experiences of different migrant and refugee groups in overcoming discrimination and adapting to Australian society.  It applies a sociological approach to religious traditions and spiritual practices, with a focus on contemporary and alternative spirituality.  It also considers historical and contemporary race relations and the empirical research on Australian Indigenous, settler, migrant and refugee peoples. The unit is appropriate for students interested in social research, social policy, criminology and social work.