Across 13 chapters, the book develops an in-depth and accessible understanding of how Australia is responding to new realities in work, globalisation, industrial relations reform, retirement, citizenship, political trust and family and community life. ASA2 draws on the latest research and analysis of some of Australia’s leading social scientists to challenge conventional wisdoms about Australia, and assesses the impact of John Howard’s decade in office. It also shows how contemporary Australian social behaviour and attitudes vary from those held in previous years and decades and how they compare with other citizens from other countries with respect to citizenship, trust and political involvement.