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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 382-398 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | History Australia |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2 Jul 2016 |