Class Structure in Australian History: Documents, Narrative and Argument

by Raewyn W. Connell, Terry Irving

Beginning with a theoretical chapter on class analysis and history, this book explores the development of class relations and the transformation of the ruling class from 1788 to 1975. Taken together the narrative and documents offer a radical reinterpretation of Australian history. The authors argue that the concept of class analysis is essential to an understanding not only of Australian history but of the issues and problems that confront Australian society today, and of the forms of action required for social change.

Genres: Australia, Nonfiction, History

378 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Raewyn Connell (also known as R.W. Connell and Robert W. Connell) is an Australian sociologist. She gained prominence as an intellectual of the Australian New Left. She is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Sydney and known for the concept of hegemonic masculinity and southern theory.

Reviews

[Hugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not knowledgeable enough about Australian history to critique the arguments in this book. However, from what I can gather, this was an excellent book, one of the best history books I have ever read. In large part this is because of the inclusion of the dozens and dozens of fascinating primary source documents like letters from people from all walks of life, reports from government officials, doctors, inspectors, magistrates, letters to the editor, budgets, campaigning plans, photos, syllabi, and the list goes on.

Alongside this is a very comprehensive history of different class groupings in Australia and how these changed and who constituted them when and where and where the balance of power changed and how. Because so much ground is covered many historical events or theories are referenced in passing, and would need various amounts of investigation to catch up on for the uninitiated reader such as myself.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful history of class relations especially in terms of colonial era Australia