SCY2230

Australian society: a developmental perspective

Bob Birrell

8 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton

Objectives This subject analyses the main lines of Australian social change this century. When completed students should understand the major trends in Australian society since the late nineteenth century; understand the main features of 'Australian' values and institutions as they developed during the twentieth century; and be able to analyse the main agents of change which have challenged these values and institutions in recent years.

Synopsis This subject reviews the major factors shaping the development of Australian society. The objective is to help students understand where we are today in terms of where we have come from. The subject begins with an analysis of the key 'Australian' values and institutions at the beginning of this century. It then explores the pressures for change which have led to the recent dismantling of Australia's longstanding defensive 'borders', including those of a trading, financial and cultural nature which stem from the 'globalisation' process. The subject examines the impact of these changes on income distribution, welfare institutions, the mass media and other key Australian institutions.

Assessment Written (4000 words): 60% - Examination (2 hours): 40%

Recommended texts

Bell S and Head B (eds) State, economy and public policy in Australia OUP, 1994
Birrell R A nation of our own Longman Cheshire, 1995
Castles F Australian public policy and economic vulnerability Allen and Unwin, 1988
Jakubowicz A et al. Racism, ethnicity and the media Allen and Unwin, 1994
Mackay H Reinventing Australia Angus and Robertson, 1993
Mahony G (ed.) The Australian economy under labour Allen and Unwin, 1993

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