Tracking the Jack

by Tara Brabazon

This work assesses the social, economic, political and cultural relationship between Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The book traces the movements of the "Jack"—the Union Jack, which represents the symbolic tie between "home" and the outer reaches of the empire—from flags to Doc Martens and fashion to food packaging. While much rhetoric emerges of Australia's place in Asia and New Zealand's role in the Pacific, this book investigates the far more complex histories that encircle the region. It is not only, or even primarily, an investigation of social systems or policy concerns. Instead, it offers a coherent cultural studies and cultural history text.

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

I am the Professor of Cultural Studies at Flinders University. I have written 22 books, 12 audiobooks, over 350 refereed articles and book chapters, and over 600 research outputs. I have podcasted since 2008 and vlogged since 2016.