Magazine 003

Learning to Balance Is the pursuit of a work-family balance an unrealistic imagination, or an uncompromisable necessity? Amelia Shi • Illustration by Franco Hermosilla Two vital components of life for many are family so the physical boundary between work and and work. As society continues to develop family became clearer, forming two relatively and change, so too has the modern work life. independent spatial fields. However, in modern The amount of labour work has gradually society, changes in the internal and external decreased, and the amount of intellectual work structure of the family and the technological has increased (Heath, 2016). Families frequently impact of modernisation have gradually blurred no longer eat together, and when examining the the boundaries between the two. This boundary demands of ever-present work and education, demarcation issue has now become a critical families have reduced chances to even engage research area in work-family relations. in meaningful conversations. Greenhaus and Beutell (1985, p. 77) defined work-family conflict Social regulations and incompatibility between as a conflict between the different roles, roles may make it difficult for individuals with where role pressures in the work and family several roles to meet the differing demands domains can be incompatible; participation in of each role simultaneously. Role tensions one position to make participation in the other and their degrees vary across the different more difficult. While the economic needs of the stages of life. Different roles also have unique family are important, the time people spend codes of conduct and norms attached to with family members cannot be discarded in its them, which drive individuals to interact with favour. others in different contexts in matching ways; deviations from the social roles are subject In the historical definition of family, the family to corresponding rejection and discipline. was formed by the father, mother, and children Therefore, when work and family are too (Le Poire, 2006, p.4). Men and women had deeply involved, it may make the work-family their respective roles, with men responsible for relationship unbalanced, and the ambiguity of external work and women viewed as responsible boundaries, the permeability of responsibilities, for domestic labour (Forste & Fox, 2012, p.613). and the subjectivity and objectivity of definitions This is no longer the case, and the progressive all highlight the complexity of work-family definitions of family now recognise the complex relationship patterns. According to Clark (2000), and potentially varying non-nuclear, non- when the role of a field demands expansion, the heterosexual, and non-gender-conforming boundary between the two will be displaced, permutations that make up domestic dynamics. and conflicts will appear. Thus, whether work With the advancement of industrialisation, the intervenes in family life or vice versa, the traditional material production function of the phenomenon of role conflict arises when the family was gradually replaced by social labour, role demands of one domain increase and SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 51

contradict the role required of the other domain. companies and workers alike. Work-family balance refers to a relatively Working in an environment that supports harmonious state between roles and family-friendly practices is essential to improve responsibilities. Proponents of this balance will this issue. Some companies have responded try to reconcile their professional development to the increase in work-family conflict and and family life to achieve a balanced state. family-work conflict among their employees by However, some think that the pursuit of work- adopting family-friendly policies and practices family balance is an unrealistic imagination. In to reduce such conflicts (Frye & Breaugh, 2004). the context of globalisation, the competition One policy Frye and Breaugh (2004) have across industries is fierce, and to win contracts mentioned in their journal is the Supervisor and pursue promotions, one must seemingly Support (p.203). A supportive supervisor is give ever-increasing time and energy, which crucial when employees are faced with conflict, may go far beyond the ordinary working as they will provide customised help to those schedule of the 9 to 5 day. As a result, all adults who are struggling with maintaining a balance. with families face the dilemma of difficult work- Anand and Vohra (2019) also asserted that family balance. Within the current paradigm, communication between the organisation and so-called balance is likely to be achieved at employees could help a lot in balancing work- the expense of the needs or interests of the family conflict. Communication helps clarify other side. The progress of technology and the the role expectations, provides employees popularity of the Internet have currently allowed with vital information, and helps buffer the the demands of work to remain ever-present in effects of role conflict. They discussed that domestic life, as emails, bosses, deadlines, and communication between colleagues also colleagues are no longer restricted by physical provides the psychological comfort associated space. Conversely—and as we have witnessed with sharing problems with others and increases during the COVID-19 pandemic—this can also the empathy of team members for one another work to restore balance to the work-family (Anand & Vohra, 2019, p.322.). conflict, as it allows workers to pursue more flexible arrangements, whether that be working In general, the development of society requires from home to avoid the commute, or flexible people to invest more energy in balancing life working hours that provide greater potential for and work. Shifting between the two roles can time with family. easily lead to conflicts, and changes in family structure can blur the boundaries between work Solutions and family, thus creating work-family tensions. According to Allen et al. (2013), workplace In recent years, there has been a proliferation flexibility has been the subject of considerable of research on ways to alleviate this conflict, research, aimed at helping individuals to all intending to balance roles in each domain. manage their work and family roles. Workplace Flexibility in the workplace has been identified practices that help reduce employee work- as an effective way to improve this conflict. This family conflict have become a hot topic. Flexible allows people to choose when and where they work arrangements, in particular, have been work and thus promotes balance. Supervisor touted as the key to helping employees manage support is an approach that takes family- work and non-work responsibilities. These friendly practices a step further. As research arrangements, which allow people to choose continues to explore and identify dynamic when and where they work, have become solutions, we must work to reform professional commonplace within organisations. This culture in such a way that family-friendly condition is also often effective in attracting, practices are a central tenet of corporate motivating, and retaining key talent, benefiting management. 52 OPINION PIECE

A Breath of Fresh Air Imagination is beautiful. There are no rules that we must follow. We can dream big, or small, there are no boundaries to keep us contained. When we were kids, imagination was something that felt so real, but when we grew up, the pressure to be ‘realistic’ made us lose touch with the richness of our inner world. What if we pause time and take a break from the world? Are we able to reopen ourselves to the richness our inner world offers? Perhaps one way is to spend some time alone, explore our inner world, and read the books we author internally. It is a way of bringing our creative imaginations back to life. Tidus Artorius SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 53

The Dragon Knowledge can do wonders, though it is limited by our capacity to learn. But imagination? Our minds are an endless sky, and our imagination has the ability to enrich the world around us. It can carry us to worlds we’ve never seen, and places one could only dream. 54 A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Illustration by Tidus SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 55

The Bear The world is an open canvas, made for our imaginations. It never ages, and so long as we can dream, it lives on forever. Imagination can protect us from harsh realities; not in it use to escape realities, but as blueprints for creation. 56 A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Illustration by Tidus SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 57

The Elephant Imagination is what brings dream to life. The moment we fall in love with imagination, then it can take us anywhere and let us do anything. 58 A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Illustration by Tidus SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 59

The Whale Imagination helps us dream and create endless possibilities. Through it, we can explore what we don’t know and craft our life as we like—just like origami! 60 A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Illustration by Tidus SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 61

The Turtle Finally, imagination lets us live towards the things we love, and not to live in our history. 62 A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Illustration by Tidus SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 63

64

PAY IT FORWARD Soapbox Sydney is a community mental health initiative geared towards culture changes. Pay It Forward are activities that encourage people to do good by society. If you find this magazine insightful and would like to pass it on, consider adding your name, and a beneficial book that you recommend to future adopters of this magazine. In sharing our creative power, or words and deeds, we can improve our world. Sincerely, yours will be an act of creativity; just the kind society needs. Your Name Date Pay it forawrd Book Name Your Name Date Book Name Your Name Date Book Name Your Name Date Book Name SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 65

66

SOAPBOX Lived Experiences MAGAZINE

Bohlokoa Phororo Illustration by Franco Hermosilla His Death Put My Life On Pause I grew up in a small homogenous country, one in which races other than my own were the minority. From a young age, I had never heard or witnessed any form of discrimination because of race, rather my experience was treating people from other racial groups with respect. Accordingly, I grew up unconscious of the impact of racial discrimination, either directly or indirectly. My life took a sharp turn in 2020 when George Floyd, an African American man, was murdered in the United States of America at the hands of law enforcement. 68 LIVED EXPERIENCES

Floyd’s death affected me negatively. I started feeling unsafe and exposed because now I was on a different side of the world, one in which my race is less favoured and discriminated against. According to Horowitz, Brown, and Cox (2019), 71% of black people experience racism in the US, ranging from subtle institutional discrimination to life-endangering violence. In History, we Whenever I saw police read about how black people were enslaved, slaughtered, and tortured without being given officers walking down the a fair trial before the law, how frequently they are suspected of a crime without adequate street or driving past them, I justification. Sadly, these assumptions do not would sweat and gasp for air. exist only in the pages of history, but to date, people of colour still suffer ill treatment and fatal violence, abused because of their skin colour. The death of George became real to me; my race was constantly on my mind, consumed with the idea that it could happen to me and that thought caused me so much panic and anxiety, particularly surrounding police officers. I assumed that my fear of the police was temporary and after the news of Floyd’s death, things would go back to normal for me. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The only place I felt safe and free was at home—out in the community, I was always looking over my shoulder. Whenever I saw police officers walking down the street or driving past them, I would sweat and gasp for air. I would feel shivers down my spine and tears would just roll out of my eyes. This became my everyday experience because it was very unlikely to go a day without bumping into police officers. This affected my activities and concentration at work. I was even unsure whether I could continue driving to work and take public transport, to avoid police on the roads, or even to cut all my afternoon and evening shifts. However, none of the options were realistic, so I continued to go to work. One evening, I had parked on the street and was waiting for my shift to begin. There was a knock on my window, and it was the police. Have you ever wished that the world could open and swallow you up in seconds? That was all I could feel. They asked me to step out of the car. I was suffocating in sweat as they searched me and found nothing. It felt like something had grabbed hold of my tongue. I had so many questions but could not bring myself to utter any word. Finally, one officer asked who I was and the reason I was there. My contact details were The police officer that spoke to taken, and I gave them my driver’s licence. The me was nice, friendly even, but I connection between my mind and body was cut. just stood there emotionlessly Each one of them was running their race, and I was waiting to be crucified. unable to speak, tears dripping That evening I canceled my shift because officers down my face. noted they will contact me if any criminal activity occurred around the area. Removing myself from the area seemed to be the best idea, so I immediately drove back home, only to find police roadblock again. I felt like I flew from one lion’s den to the other. I was drained and felt defeated. The police officer that spoke to me was nice, friendly even, but I just stood there emotionlessly unable to speak, tears dripping down my face. SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 69

He politely asked me to step out of the car and if I would like to talk to another officer, but I shook my head. He stood beside me quietly. I guess he was giving me time to regroup. Finally, I told him I have never broken the law and never would, because I fear police officers. He asked me what caused so much fear and I told him since the death of Floyd I have had an uncontrollable fear towards police officers and that I had just had an encounter with other police officers who searched and took my contacts for simply waiting for my shift to begin. I further told him I was fleeing from a place where, if any unlawful activity happened, would be linked to me for that same reason. He grinned and softly said, ‘truly there is no medicine that can cure hatred’. That simple statement was enough for me. I felt a sense of relief and at that instant, my body, mind, and soul were reunited. I felt like I was waking up from a long nightmare. I needed no more reassurance. Somehow my state of thinking changed, and I suddenly realised not all officers are like the ones that have killed thousands, Floyd amongst them. Not all officers assume people are criminals just because of their racial identity. There are good police officers, ones that believe in humanity and the wellbeing of others; who are devoted to protecting, supporting, and honouring their oath to serve with love and fairness. After a storm comes sunshine. That day was bitter-sweet for me. Although it was an unpleasant experience, the end brought me back to life, healed me, changed my perception, and allowed me to face my fears, and for that I am all the better. To sum up, not all people have silver or gold to make another person’s day, but words have power. With them, we can give life and hope to others, or our words can put them to the sword. If given the opportunity, the world can be a better place for all, provided we focus on love and respect. By embracing diversity and educating ourselves about humanity, we would see that our differences do not separate us, but bring us closer. The little time spent with that officer helped me heal and get my life back. We should always look after our mental wellbeing by being open-minded to receiving healing from the least expected places or individuals. I would encourage people to be open, to talk about their issues, experiences, and solutions for healing, peace, love, and help. There are good police officers, ones that believe in humanity and the wellbeing of others; who are devoted to protecting, supporting, and honouring their oath to serve with love and fairness. 70 LIVED EXPERIENCES

A place to ... Chat freely over tea? Tea Talk? www.soapbox.sydney SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 71

Racism is Alive & Well in Australia Rabina Khadka Race and racism are a reality that many of country; however, people do experience racism us grow up learning to deal with. Racism is in my country because of their background the unfair treatment that people experience or socio-economic status. There can also be because of their race, colour, ethnic background, language-based discrimination. There are 122 and nationality. We can categorise racism major languages spoken in my country, and in different forms, including verbal abuse, not everyone can speak all those languages. denial of opportunities, and physical abuse. Conversations are more powerful when people I came to Australia in 2019 to complete lead them with lived experience. After coming to my master’s in Social Work, and in that Australia, I realised what being treated differently short time, I have experienced racism both feels like. I experienced racism in Australia, and professionally and socially. Australia is a it left me feeling terrible. Everything was new to country built on multiculturalism, where me, and I was constantly puzzled. I could not people from different nations visit for a separate between ‘is this how people behave variety of purposes, such as work, study, or here in Australia’ or ‘was that the discrimination/ immigration. Despite the varying colours, ethnic racist behaviour’. It is a bitter truth that I backgrounds, and nationalities of its population, struggled with for a long time when I arrived racism continues to plague Australia. in Australia. People do not talk to me or allow I am from the beautiful country of Nepal. I did me to become friends with them. Sometimes not experience any form of racism back in my they just blank me and refuse to answer my 72 LIVED EXPERIENCES

questions. I was overwhelmingly lost, completely issues than local students. Students here study confused why they were treating me this way. and work to pay their fees, pay rent bills, and Australia is a dreamland for many international fulfill their basic needs. International students students. I was one who dreamed of studying are charged thrice more than locals, and in Australia and came here for further despite that, people here continue to show education. However, Australia was not like how racist behaviour towards us. International I dreamed. It is competitive, and one needs to students are away from far away from their be stalwart to face challenges every day. To loved ones, which can make them lonely and study in Australia, international students must depressed, which is only exacerbated by the possess a certain level of English proficiency. horrific, racist treatment many experience. However, English is still the second language I recognised I needed to take a stand for myself. for most international students, and we I smile at people, confronting them when they struggle to communicate sometimes. We are are racist, and telling them I want no part of their all too often blamed for not using the accent racist behaviour. Many international students that native speakers would like to hear and do not share these experiences because of fear, teased for the pronunciation that we use. either from the response of the instigator or from institutions. However, I feel students need Discrimination regarding students’ language is some platform to share their stories and address not only the behaviour that overseas students issues they are facing. Unless we draw attention suffer from. Verbal abuse is when people use to this problem, it will be a long time before words to demean, frighten, or control someone. we can eradicate racist attitudes in society. International students will often be subjected to a racially charged form of verbal abuse, SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 73 which includes swearing, being told to go back to their own country, and mocking or negative comments. I experienced this racist behaviour while travelling on public transport. People often swear and scream at me and tell me to go back to my country. This kind of behaviour used to hurt me mentally and emotionally and had significant impacts on my study as well. According to Brown & Jones (2013), international students are victims of at least one or multiple instances of racial discrimination in a foreign country. Prominent amongst these is the denial of economic opportunities based on skin colour or ethnic background. For me, there was an incident where I saw a vacancy for a front desk officer at an office in Bankstown, and they called me for an interview to see my resume; however, they refused to take me, and the only reason was my skin colour. They emailed me saying they would prefer a fair skin tone as the front person for their office. I wished I had fair skin and was very demotivated; I never applied to another front desk position to date, and I think I never will. The response I got from that job about my skin colour is still affecting me. They loved my experience. They loved my skills. The only thing that was lacking was fair skin. The negative experiences of international students are a severe issue that needs more attention because international students are at a higher risk of developing mental health

Culture Shock and Systemic Discrimination Gopi Subramaniam / Illustration by Franco Hermosilla 74 LIVED EXPERIENCES

The general goal of mental health is to achieve Australia continue to impact my mental health a state of well-being. It can impact a person’s due to stress and social anxiety. A lack of social confidence, self-esteem, and overall life support exacerbated my social anxiety, such satisfaction. Different cultures, across national that I could not establish social connections with and international sections, have vastly different anyone in the community during my first three perspectives on mental health. For example, years in Australia. I came from Malaysia, where mental health knowledge, attitude regarding, and help- I realised that the intersectional issues I had seeking tendencies overall are still lacking encountered were the root cause of my mental (Yeap & Low, 2009). Alongside my migration health problems. Intersectionality is a term that from Malaysia to Australia, I gained a stronger refers to how various facets of an individual’s understanding of mental health and the stigma identity can expose them to interconnecting associated with mental illness. Although my types of oppression and stigmatisation knowledge of mental health “The general goal of mental (Victorian Government, has increased, I continue 2021). For instance, to struggle to adapt to health is to achieve a state of because of my sexual Australian culture, which can well-being. It can impact a lead to feelings of isolation person’s confidence, self- orientation and ethnic and worsening mental esteem, and overall life health. The common issues satisfaction.” origin, I have encountered experienced by international students and migrants in racism, homophobia, bullying, and unequal opportunity in Malaysia. After relocating to Australia, Australia are workplace I felt that the diverse harassment, culture conflict, population recognised and language barriers, financial hardship, the appreciated my sexual orientation and ethnicity. difference in the education systems, and visa Unfortunately, I continue to face difficulties issues (Liamputtong, 2011). These problems in Australia because of my socioeconomic have impacted my mental health, as I struggled background. I have encountered cultural with them for the first three years after moving shock, language problems, financial hardship, to Australia. academic and work pressure, and a lack of social support. For the first year of my life in Malaysia is composed of three major ethnic Australia, I could not find work, later exploited in groups: Malays, Chinese, and small populations an underpaid job, and then experienced verbal of Indians and Sikhs. I identify as a Malaysian abuse when I tried seeking help. I continued Indian and encountered social issues because at that workplace for three years despite of my identity, including racism, homophobia, my problems because my parents could not bullying, and unequal opportunity. These issues economically assist me. Additionally, I was in have resulted in stress, depression, and social an unstable relationship with my partner, which anxiety, and I could not seek help to resolve them. added to my stress and contributed to my I identify as a homosexual man, who, because depression. I believe that every human being of Malaysian society’s negative perceptions will continue to face difficulties daily, but it is and stigma towards the same-sex community how we respond to them that is important.I in Malaysia, has experienced internalised attempted to resolve my issues by focusing homophobia. As an international student, I on my strengths and limitations and working migrated to Australia to change my life, and I to improve my vulnerabilities. To overcome believe changing my social location has aided my language barrier, I have attended English in resolving the social issues I was experiencing workshops, communicated with native in Malaysia. The term “social location” describes speakers, and obtained expert assistance from a culmination of factors, such as gender, my institution. To ease cultural shock, I try to race, social class, age, ability, religion, sexual establish social relationships with people from orientation, and geographic location (National many cultural backgrounds. It is an ongoing Council on Family Relations, 2019). Although project to assimilate from an Asian to Western the migration helped me overcome the stress culture. I have always had a small circle of and depression I had in Malaysia, my issues in friends and found it difficult to develop my SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 75

circle of connections. Nevertheless, I was able supported me with improving my resume and to form relationships with students living in job applications. Some universities may also the student housing, who provided motivation offer bursary or scholarship programs to those and assisted me in overcoming emotional who are struggling. I managed the pressures exhaustion. This form of social support is vital of working while studying by prioritising and for the psychological wellbeing of international organising my tasks. For example, I created students (Bender et al., 2019), and accordingly a timetable and adhered to it by establishing impacts their educational performance. Social boundaries, utilising appropriate resources media, group activities, extra-curricular events, and technologies to complete assessments and classroom involvement can foster social efficiently, and contacting tutors as needed. The connections. Australian government assists students with studies, finance, food, housing, mental health Despite my problems at work, I successfully and well-being, and Covid-19 (NSW, 2022; demanded a humane basic wage. I encourage Service NSW, n.d.; Department of Education, overseas students to approach the Fair Work Skills and Employment, 2021). Based on my Ombudsman, the Australian Human Rights encounters with fellow students, most of them Commission, and SafeWork Australia to report appear to be unaware of Overseas Student underpayment and workplace harassment. Health Cover (OSHC) benefits. All students are Apart from that, the primary source of support required to get OSHC insurance to cover their for international students is their educational health expenses while in Australia as part of institution, which provides a range of services their visa conditions. I advise any international such as mental health, well-being, and student who requires mental or physical counselling, as well as language and academic assistance to contact the OSHC. support and employment services (Study Australia, 2022). For instance, I was living in My lived experience has taught me valuable student accommodation and could not pay lessons that I continually apply. Those lessons my rent because of my financial hardship. assisted me in resolving my professional, social, After I sought help, I was fortunate to receive and economic challenges, which have allowed two weeks of financial aid from the education me to improve my mental health. I hope that provider’s student welfare department. When I my lived experience and the solutions I shared approached my education provider, they also will benefit other international students in improving their quality of life in Australia. 76 LIVED EXPERIENCES

Humans coming alive to change the world. UNCOVER YOUR POWER AND YOUR SOCIETY, NOW AND FOREVER/ A SOCIETY FOCUS HELPS YOU FIND STRENGTH, PURPOSE AND HOPE BY HANDING YOU THE REINS, TO EXPLORE, TO TRY AND TO CELEBRATE THE PROCESS OF DISCOVERING YOUR POWER. www.soapbox.sydney Enter SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 77

COMMUNITY STORIES Marie, Manju, Shristi, Indira, Prakriti, Simran, Ashma Community members from Australia What were the reasons behind creating the banded together to create a free art and mindfulness event for people at home event? during Covid lockdown. We probed the event organisers about their experiences of running Creating art has a different meaning for their own project as a result of running and everyone. For some, it means to express attending a Pizza Night.​ themselves or reflecting upon themselves. Most of us when we were a child, we enjoyed Creating the community group project was drawing and painting. However, unless we a challenge for all the group members as have a keen interest in art it is unlikely that we came up with different ideas for the we have continued to draw or paint today. project. Finally, we decided to do the online So, the purpose of creating this event was to art event considering the current situation of get our hands on colourful paints and pencils COVID-19. We named our event “Art: A Self and create meaning through drawing or Expression”. The purpose of the event was painting rather than focusing on the result. to provide our community members with The best part is community members do not the opportunity to connect through art, using need to be artists or trained professionals to art as a therapeutic tool to de-stress and participate in this event because real artists express feelings and to raise self-awareness. are inside everyone. Participants had to choose to draw or paint We understand that the pandemic has taken something related to the themes give which a toll on our mental health from being were, nature or environment, favourite isolated to completely losing a physical cartoon, movie or TV show character or the interaction with each other. We are so busy biggest achievement in life. The event was in our life that we forget to take time off 1 hour 15 minutes long where we spent 5 for self-care. So, to shift our emotions to minutes in a brief introduction of the event something interesting while benefiting our and instructions, 40 minutes creating our mental health was the main reason, we artwork and the rest of the 30 minutes decided to create this event. sharing stories behind the artworks. We focused on creating meanings out of the artworks rather than focusing on the results. 78 COMMUNITY STORIES

What were the outcomes of the event? Do you encourage others to create A​ s organisers, nothing feels better than seeing the participants’ beaming smiles community-led projects? after the morning event. It was a breath of fresh air, a time to pause, before going back Definitely! There are many benefits of to the day’s plans and activities. creating community-led projects in society be it creating networks among people, be Participants had the chance to create it breaking stereotypes, be it improving beautiful artworks based on the themes given one’s well-being and so on. However, it is through drawing or painting with relaxing important to have the right information, music in the background. Meaningful clear objectives and the awareness of the conversations and social connections social issues that’s happening in our society happened while participants were sharing while keeping an open mind. Creating a the stories behind their artworks. community-led project by ourselves gives us an opportunity to explore the chances We are glad for the positive feedback we of engagement of community members received during and after the event. When for our benefits and lead us to understand participants were asked about what they our own needs during the process. Creating find helpful during the event, one participant community-led projects would let us check said, “It was very relaxing and light-hearted. the efficacy of it and encourage us to do better It was pleasant getting to know one another, next time. It is through these community- seeing people as individuals, and their story led projects that we can find our strengths behind some of their doodles” and another not only individually but as a community. one answered, “Being able to reflect, share A community that can stand by itself by my thoughts, hear other’s experiences and addressing challenges and social issues as give some time for myself and drawing, one. Alone could be good but together we can which I enjoy doing”. In terms of the overall create greatness. Seems idealistic but hey, feedback for the event, one participant we will never know until we try. answered, “It doesn’t require too much of you (do/listen to this and that). Which We are looking to continue this program in lightened the whole event and efficiently the near future, so please stay tuned! served its purpose”. Another participant said that “It was very pleasant, interesting and relaxing. It is a nice start to the day. The event is not very long, which is good because it is self-contained”. It is for these feedbacks that we believe even simple projects like this would benefit people and the community. SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 79

Avishen’s Visual Interpretation Game Art is subjective, but often comes with abundance of meanings. Illustrated by Avishen, can you guess what they mean? 80

one SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 81

Two 82

Three SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 83

Four 84

Five SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 85

six 86

What is your interpretation? SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 87

References Living with HIV Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations. (2022). Racism is Alive and well in Australia AFAO HIV in Australia 2022. https://www.afao.org. Brown, L., & Jones, I. (2013). Encounters with racism and au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AFAO-HIV-in- the international student experience. Studies in Higher Australia-2022.pdf Education, 38(7), 1004-1019. doi:10.1.614940 Avert. (2021, February 24). Myths about HIV and AIDS. Learning to Balance https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention/ Allen, T. D., Johnson, R. C., Kiburz, K. M., & Schockley, myths K. M. (2013). Work-family conflict and flexible work arrangements: deconstructing flexibility. Personal Better Health Channel. (2020, November 12). Psychology, 66(2), 345-376. http://doi.org/10.111/ HIV. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ peps.12012 conditionsandtreatments/hiv-and-aids Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, June Anand, A., & Vohra, V. (2019). Alleviating employee work- 01). HIV Stigma and Discrimination. https://www.cdc. family conflict: role organisations. International Journal gov/hiv/basics/hiv-stigma/index.html of Organizational Analysis, 28(2), 313-332. http://doi. org/10.1108/IJOA-06-2019-1792 Liotta, M. (2020, November 18). Can Australia be the first country to eliminate HIV transmission? The Royal Clark, S. C. (2000). Work/Family border theory: A new Australian College of General Practitioners. https:// theory of work/family balance. Human Relations, 53(6), www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/can-australia-be- 747-770. http://doi.org/10.1177/001872670053001 the-first-country-to-eliminate-hi Forste, R., & Fox, K. (2012). Household Labour, Gender Slavin, S., Brener, L., Callander., D & Wit. J. D. (n.d.). The HIV Roles, and Family Satisfaction: A Cross-National Stigma Audit: Community Report. National Association Comparison. Department of Sociology, University of People with HIV Australia. https://napwha.org.au/ of Calgary, 43(5), 613-631. http://doi.org/10.3138/ files/napwa_stigma_audit_report.pdf jcfs.43.5.613 Isolation Through the Ages Frye, N. K., & Breaugh, J. A. (2004). Family-Friendly Aged & Community Services Australia. (2015). Social policies, supervisor support, work-family conflict, Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Australians family-work conflict, and satisfaction: A test of a (Report No.1). https://www.acsa.asn.au/getattachment/ conceptual model. Publications-Submissions/Social-Isolation-and- Loneliness/1015-Social-Isolation-and-Loneliness-Paper. Journal of Business and Psychology, 19(2), 197-220. pdf.aspx?lang=en-AU http://doi.org10.1007/s10869-004-0548-4 Greenhus, J. H., & Beutell, N. J. (1985). Sources of Conflict Australian Bureau of Statics. (2015). Disability, Ageing Between Work and Family Roles. and Cares, Australia: Summary of Findings, 2015 (cat. no. 4430.0). https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@. Academy of Management Review, 10(1), 76-88. http:// nsf/Lookup/4430.0main+features302015 doi.org/10.2307/258214 Boulton-Lewis, G. M. (2010). Education and Learning for Heath, A. (2016, September 21). The Changing Nature the Elderly: Why, How. Education Gerontology, 36(3), of the Australia Workforce [Paper Presentation]. 213-228. http://doi.org/10.1080/03601270903182877 CEDA 2016: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Reserve Bank of Fakoya, O. A., McCorry, N. K. & Donnelly, M. (2020). Australia. https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2016/sp- Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older so-2016-09-21.html adults: a scoping review of reviews. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 129-129. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6 Le Poire, B. A. (2006). Introduction: Families, Communication, and Family Communication. In Family Fook, L. & Morgan, R. (2000). Hearing impairment in Communication: Nurturing and Control in a Changing older people: a review. Postgraduate Medical Journal, World (pp.1-18). SAGE Publications. http://dx.doi. 76, 537-541. Smith, K. J. & Victor, C. (2019). Typologies of loneliness, 88 REFERENCES living alone and social isolation, and their associations with physical and mental health. Ageing and society, 39(8), 1709-1730. http://doi.org/S0144686X18000132

Willes, J., Morgan, T., Moeke-Maxwell, T., Black, S., Park, and Themselves. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https:// H., Dewes, O., Williams, L. A. & Gott, M. (2019). Befriending www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00011/ Services for Culturally Diverse Older People. Journal of full Gerontological Social Work, 62(7), 776-793. http://doi.or g/10.1080/01634372.2019.1640333 Jackson, R. M. (2006). Opposing Forces: How, Why, and When Will Gender Inequality Disappear? In F. D. Blau, M. Geda, Y. E., Topazian, H. M., Lewis, R. A., Roberts, R. O., C. Brinton, & D. B. Grusky (Eds), Declining Significance of Knopman, D. S., Pankratz, V. S., Christianson, T. J. H., Gender? (pp.215-244). Russell Sage Foundation. http:// Boeve, B. F., Tangalos, E. G., Ivnik, R. J., & Petersen, R. citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/ C. (2011, 2011/04/01). Engaging in Cognitive Activities, Aging, and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Population- Culture Shock and Systemic Discrimination Based Study. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Department of Education, Skills and Employment. Clinical Neurosciences, 23(2), 149-154. https://doi. (2021, December 15). Support for international students. org/10.1176/jnp.23.2.jnp149 https://www.dese.gov.au/international-education/ support-international-students The Social Construction of Gender Croft, A., Schmader, T., Block, K., & Baron, A. S. (2014). Liamputtong, P. (2011). International students in Australia: The Second Shift Reflected in the Second Generation: Their challenges and implications for university Do Parents’ Gender Roles at Home Predict Children’s counselling services. International Journal of Students’ Aspirations? Psychological Science, 5(7), 1418-1428. Research, 1(1), 8-11. https://doi.org/10.5549/ijsr.1.1.8-11 http://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614533968 National Council on Family Relations. (2019, May 04). Cundiff, J. L., & Vescio, T. K. (2016). Gender Stereotypes Inclusion and Diversity Committee Report: What’s Your Influence How People Explain Gender Disparities in Social Location? https://www.ncfr.org/ncfr-report/ the Workplace. Sex Roles, 75(3-4), 126-138. http://doi. spring-2019/inclusion-and-diversity-social-location org/10.1007/s11199-016-0593-2 Service NSW. (n.d.). Support for international students. Diekman, A. B., Steinberg, M., Brown, E. R., Belanger, A. https://www.ser vice.nsw.gov.au/guide/support- L., & Clark, E. K. (2017). A Goal Congruity Model of Role international-students Entry, Engagement, and Exit: Understanding Communal Study Australia. (2022). Support services for students. Goal Processes in STEM Gender Gaps. Personality and https://www.study australia.gov.au/english/live/ Social Psychology Review, 21(2), 142-175. http://doi. support-services org/10.1177/1088868316642141 Study NSW. (2022). Covid-19 Help Hub for International Eagly, A. H. (1987). The Analysis of Sex Differences in Students. https://www.study.sydney/programs/covid- Social Behaviour: A New Theory and A New Method. 19-help-hub In Sex Difference in social behaviour: A social-role interpretation (pp.7-41). Taylor & Francis Group. Victorian Government. (2021, February 08). https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/acap/reader. Understanding intersectionality: Definition of action?docID=1195806&ppg=20 intersectionality and how it can lead to overlapping of discrimination and marginalisation. https://www.vic.gov. Faniko, K., Ellemers, N., & Derks, B. (2016). Queen au/understanding-intersectionality Bees and Alpha Males: Are successful women more Yeap, R., & Low, W. Y. (2009). Mental health knowledge, competitive than successful men? European journal of attitude and help-seeking tendency: a Malaysian social psychology, 46(7), 903-913. http://doi.org.10.1002/ context. Singapore medical journal, 50(12), 1169–1176. ejsp.2198 Bender, M., van Osch, Y., Sleegers, W., & Ye, M. (2019). Frader, L. L. (2021). Gender and Labour in World History. Social Support Benefits Psychological Adjustment of In T. A. Meade, M. E. Wiesner-Hanks (Eds.), A comparison International Students: Evidence From a Meta-Analysis. to Global Gender History (2nd ed., pp.27-42). John Wiley Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 50(7), 827–847. & sons, Incorporate. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022119861151 doi/pdf/10.1002/9781119535812.ch2 Kaiser, C. R., & Miller, C. T. (2001). Stop Complaining! The Hentschel, T., Heilman, M. E., Peus, C. V. (2019). The Social Costs of Marketing Attributions to Discrimination. Multiple Dimensions of Gender Stereotypes: A Current Personality & social psychology bulletin, 27(2), 254-263. Look at Men’s and Women’s Characterizations of Others http://doi.org/10.1177/0146167201272010 SOAPBOX MAGAZINE 89

Radke, H. R. M., & Hornsey, M. J. (2016). Barriers to Women Engaging in Collective Action to Overcome Sexism. American Psychology Association, 71(9), 863- 874. http://doi.org/10.1037/a0040345 Vogel, D. L., Wester, S. R., Heesacker, M., & Madon, S. (2003). Confirming Gender Stereotypes: A Social Role Perspective. Sex Roles, 48, 519-528. http://doi. org/10.1023/A:1023575212526 William, J. & Dempsey, R. (2004). 1. Introduction: It’s Not (Always) Your Fault. In What Works for Wom- en at Work: Four Patterns Working Women Need to Know (pp.1-22). New York University Press. http:// doi.org/10.18574/9781479814688-004 Tdownload;j- sessionid=4C554FD95257712B15558367B554747C?- doi=10.1.1.475.5627&rep=rep1&type=pdf Kaiser, C. R., & Miller, C. T. (2001). Stop Complaining! The Social Costs of Marketing Attributions to Discrimination. Personality & social psychology bulletin, 27(2), 254-263. http://doi.org/10.1177/0146167201272010 Radke, H. R. M., & Hornsey, M. J. (2016). Barriers to Women Engaging in Collective Action to Overcome Sexism. American Psychology Association, 71(9), 863- 874. http://doi.org/10.1037/a0040345 Vogel, D. L., Wester, S. R., Heesacker, M., & Madon, S. (2003). Confirming Gender Stereotypes: A Social Role Perspective. Sex Roles, 48, 519-528. http://doi. org/10.1023/A:1023575212526 William, J. & Dempsey, R. (2004). 1. Introduction: It’s Not (Always) Your Fault. In What Works for Wom- en at Work: Four Patterns Working Women Need to Know (pp.1-22). New York University Press. http://doi. org/10.18574/9781479814688-004 90 REFERENCES