‘Bursting with new ideas’: Australian women professionals and American study tours, 1930–1960

Anne Rees*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    8 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Between 1930 and 1960, the United States became a mecca for Australian pioneers of the ‘women’s professions’ who were eager to extend their expertise. These visits to America were often combined with study or travel in Britain, but Australian professionals increasingly expressed a preference for the American emphasis on scientific method and university qualifications, and returned home eager to bring the local profession ‘up-to-date’. Focussing on early childhood education and librarianship, this article examines the rising popularity of the American ‘study tour’ and traces the influence of these travels upon Australia. I argue that trans-Pacific mobility had a profound influence upon the modernisation of ‘women’s work’, and suggest that this preference for American professional practice sheds new light on the erosion of imperial ties and Australia’s realignment towards the United States. This article has been peer reviewed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)382-398
    Number of pages17
    JournalHistory Australia
    Volume13
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2 Jul 2016

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