Exploring how Australians think, feel, and mobilise around issues of inclusion and diversity.

The terrorism threat level in Australia is currently rated as probable, with growing concerns about politically or ideologically motivated violence. At the same time, Australia is currently witnessing a surge in anti-immigration protests, reflecting a broader global trend of polarisation and growing opposition to diversity and inclusion. These protests, and associated counter-protests, have already occasioned escalation to violence within Australia and are occurring amidst a backdrop of declining social cohesion and trust in authorities.

The drivers are complex and multifaceted. Considerable research has investigated why and when people will mobilise in support of progressive movements which promote equality. Yet, we know little about why people mobilise against inclusion. Extremist actors also increasingly defy traditional ideological categories, complicating efforts to identify threats and interrupt radicalisation pathways.

Introducing MOSAIC: Mapping Opinions and Social Attitudes on Inclusion and Conflict

MOSAIC is a longitudinal survey tracking Australian sentiment towards racial and gender diversity over time, to understand trajectories of polarisation, radicalisation, and their broader effects on social cohesion.

It is the first Australian survey that uses longitudinal data to map these trends over time and during a time of dramatic social, political and technological change.

MOSAIC focuses on the drivers of support for and opposition to ethnic and gender diversity in Australia.

We particularly focus on these two issues:

Anti-immigration sentiment

already a visible driver of collective action and violence in Australia

Anti-trans sentiment

an emerging threat shaped by international backlash transmitted through online platforms, transnational networks, & political discourse

MOSAIC does not treat radicalisation as purely an individual phenomenon, or examine it in isolation.

It investigates the conditions that foster or undermine social cohesion, including the role of counter-protesters who mobilise against racist and transphobic movements. While counter-mobilisation may heighten tensions in the short term, it often reflects a defence of democratic values and inclusive norms, contributing to long-term resilience against extremism.

Over 2300 Australians

8 surveys | 4 years | 6-monthly intervals

This will allow us to map the temporal dynamics of mobilisation, showing not only how individual and groups polarise and radicalise over time, but also when, how, and why people enter, exit, or shift their engagement with these movements.

Our Team and Funders

MOSAIC is an independently-funded project.

MOSAIC is funded by the Australian Research Council through the Future Fellowship scheme.

The core team is supported by an international reference group of scholars, practitioners and analysts.

This group:

Collaborates on the design, dissemination, interpretation, and application of findings.
Ensures the survey captures emerging threats and priority concerns across sectors.
Supports the translation of insights into practical strategies for strengthening social cohesion and countering radicalisation.

Professor Emma Thomas

Professor Emma Thomas is an ARC Future Fellow and Chief Investigator of the project. A social and political psychologist by background, Professor Thomas leads the Flinders Social Influence and Social Change Lab and is Deputy Director of the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technology.

Dr Charlie Pittaway

Dr Charlie Pittaway is a post-doctoral research fellow at Flinders University with experiencing researching political and social change attitudes and actions across diverse causes.