Culture

Australian cities suffering severe 'man shortage'

by Tina Kells | August 30, 2008 at 02:08 pm

710 views | 2 Recommendations | 3 comments

Women in search of a man may want to steer clear of Australia's big cities and head for the countryside instead. Newly released census reports show that women in the island nation now out number men, and that the cities are experiencing a severe man shortage.

An analysis of new census figures has shown that Australia is suffering from an unprecedented "man drought".

In the 1970's immigration policies favoured males making Australia a man-heavy country, but times have changed and Australian men in their 20's and 30's have been leaving the country by the thousands to travel or seek work.

As women in Australia move to the coastal cities in search of careers and a better lifestyle, men are moving abroad in ever increasing numbers. Experts warn that this emerging trend could have serious cultural repercussions.

Demographer Bernard Salt says the exodus of young men to foreign countries is leaving its mark.

"If you go into the United Arab Emirates census you'll find there is around 12,000 Australians living in Dubai, mostly male, mostly in the 25 to 34-year age group.

"Here is an example of one country that has drawn out a specific age demographic out of Australia which has contributed to the 'man drought'."

While the cities are suffering from a lack of available men, the countryside is experiencing the opposite problem. In some rural areas men out number women 23 to one, prompting demographers to develop a "Love Map" showing gender distribution throughout the country in an attempt to help eligible young men and women find one another.

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brian brightman (not verified)

at 18:16 on August 31st, 2008

Dear Sir, one of the reasons why Australian men are heading overseas is because of the unfair and draconian Feminism policies of the government that basically relegates men to second class citizens. To be a white, hetrosexual, christian man in most western societies is akin to being a leper of older times. I now live in an Asian country where western, caucasian men are admired and respected.

Daryl Mather (not verified)

at 21:19 on September 10th, 2008

Brian,

What a load of garbage.

Australia is a fair nation, where men and women are treated equally. Not like Asia, The Middle East and Africa where they are institutionally subjugated. Also - if you think it is hard to be a christian in Australia...try living in Dubai or Saudi Arabia.

Wake up son.

Aussies have always travelled, this is not news. We have been travelling since we entered the first world war, and prior to that we were drovers and wanderers throughout our island home.

The problem, for a long time now, is the way that work exists in Australia. Most of the work is out of the city. Mines, oil and gas refgineries and so on. The men generally have travelled to do the work, while the women generally swarm into the cities.

Opportunities, the possibility for adventure, the drovers spirit, and just our natural curiosity are the real reasons behind the travel.

That and the fact that it is far more feasible to spend a large portion of your life travelling these days.

Cheers,

AngieVallier (not verified)

at 12:58 on January 5th, 2009

So where can I view this love map? Or can you list the areas where men are outnumbering women in Australia? I'm a single female Canadian teacher that is considering moving to Australia as I have heard there is a greater demand for teachers in Australia and I think Australians are probably the closest culturally to Canadians. Thanks