This book investigates the emergence and persistence of social and economic inequalities within Aboriginal Australian communities. Jon C. Altman, drawing on extensive fieldwork and historical data, examines the complex interplay of colonial policies, economic dispossession, and cultural factors that have shaped the socio-economic status of Indigenous Australians. The work presents an argument that contemporary inequalities are not solely a legacy of the past but are actively reproduced through ongoing structural and systemic issues.

This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of Indigenous Australian socio-economic conditions, offering a detailed historical and economic analysis. It is often cited for its rigorous examination of the structural factors contributing to inequality. The book provides a foundational understanding for scholars and policymakers interested in the complexities of Indigenous disadvantage.