What does CARM mean?
CARM stands for culturally and racially marginalised, a term increasingly used in Australian policy alongside or instead of CALD to describe people who experience marginalisation because of their race, culture or ethnicity.
Detailed description
CARM stands for Culturally and Racially Marginalised. It is a term gaining adoption across Australian government, research, and advocacy contexts to describe people who experience disadvantage or exclusion due to their race, cultural background, or ethnicity. The term was developed by the Diversity Council Australia (DCA) and first used prominently in their 2023 research on women in leadership.
CARM differs from CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) in a fundamental way. Where CALD describes cultural and linguistic difference from the majority population, CARM explicitly names the experience of racial and cultural marginalisation. Advocates for the shift argue that CALD treats diversity as a neutral descriptor and does not acknowledge the systemic barriers, discrimination, and racism that shape the lived experience of non-white Australians.
The DCA defines CARM as referring to people who are not white, including people who are Black, Brown, Asian, or from any other non-white group who face marginalisation due to their race. The "culturally" component acknowledges that people may also face discrimination due to their culture, religion, or background beyond race alone.
CARM has been adopted by several institutional bodies. The Victorian Gender Equality Commission used the term in its intersectionality reporting, noting that previous terms like CALD and NESB (Non-English Speaking Background) often obscure the role of race and racism in shaping outcomes. Anti-Discrimination NSW has commissioned research using the CARM framework in relation to inclusive recruitment practices. The Scanlon Foundation Research Institute has also examined the limitations of existing terminology in its social cohesion research.
It is important to note that CARM and CALD are not interchangeable. CALD remains the dominant term in Australian government policy, census reporting, health services, and community services. Most government procurement, Access and Equity frameworks, and language access planning still use CALD as the standard reference. Organisations working across both frameworks need to understand the distinction and use each term appropriately for their context.
LEXIGO works with organisations across government, health, and community services to deliver translation and multicultural communication services that support effective engagement with both CALD and CARM communities.
Why it matters
For organisations working in multicultural communication, understanding the shift from CALD to CARM is important for two reasons. First, it reflects an evolving conversation about how Australia talks about diversity, and organisations that use outdated or tone-deaf terminology risk appearing disconnected from the communities they aim to serve. Second, CARM is increasingly appearing in government policy documents, research frameworks, and procurement criteria, particularly in areas like health equity, workplace diversity, and community engagement.
Translation and multilingual communication remain essential regardless of which term is used. Whether an organisation frames its work through a CALD or CARM lens, the practical requirement to communicate across languages and cultures does not change. What CARM adds is a more explicit acknowledgement that language access and cultural competence exist within a broader context of addressing racial and cultural marginalisation.
Related questions about CARM
What does CARM stand for?
CARM stands for culturally and racially marginalised. Diversity Council Australia uses it for people who are not racialised as white and who face marginalisation because of their race, culture or background.
What is the difference between CARM and CALD?
CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) is broader and focuses on culture and language, so it can include people racialised as white, such as a Ukrainian migrant. CARM focuses on race and racism and the marginalisation people experience because of them.
Do we still use CALD?
Yes. CALD is still widely used, including in Australian Government policy such as the Multicultural Access and Equity Policy. Some organisations now prefer CARM when discussing race and racism, so choose the term that fits the topic and ask communities what they prefer.
Does CARM include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
It depends on who is using it. Diversity Council Australia's guidance on CARM women includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, while recognising the unique place of First Nations people. Check how a report or program defines the term.
What is the difference between CARM and NESB?
NESB (non-English speaking background) is an older term based on language. CARM describes marginalisation linked to race and culture, whether or not a person speaks English.