“Good Australians Will Respond”: Transforming the Work Ethic in Popular Media, 1941–1945

Article


Coatney, Caryn. 2023. "“Good Australians Will Respond”: Transforming the Work Ethic in Popular Media, 1941–1945 ." Journal of Australian Studies. 47 (1), pp. 128-141. https://doi.org/10.1080/14443058.2022.2135573
Article Title

“Good Australians Will Respond”: Transforming the Work Ethic in Popular Media, 1941–1945

ERA Journal ID34876
Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorCoatney, Caryn
Journal TitleJournal of Australian Studies
Journal Citation47 (1), pp. 128-141
Number of Pages15
Year2023
PublisherRoutledge
Place of PublicationAustralia
ISSN0314-769X
1444-3058
1835-6419
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/14443058.2022.2135573
Web Address (URL)https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14443058.2022.2135573
Abstract

Media images of heroic, hard-working Australian achievers have often accompanied stories about an upbeat national work ethic to boost public morale in times of massive upheavals and crisis. The concept of an Australian work ethic has not been a natural creation, but it has been actively developed in the media. This article reveals a turning point in the media portrayal of the crucial area of work that helped cultivate diverse expressions of Australia’s image. The article focuses on the era of momentous disruption in World War II that led to an unprecedented idealisation of workers and changed the traditional roles of the prime minister, journalists and the public. Wartime prime minister John Curtin became an egalitarian partner and a collaborator with media teams. Journalists created increasingly inclusive media experiences to encourage the public to identify with the fashionable new ethos of working-class thrift. Wartime citizens enthusiastically contributed to the varied media expressions of collective work ethics, overturning the traditional notion of a passive public sphere. Using the concept of the emotional public sphere, this article provides a rare perspective on the media’s role in shaping and extending popular attitudes towards Australian workers, collective service and inclusive communities.

KeywordsAustralia; John Curtin; journalism; the media; workethic; World War II
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020430302. Australian history
360299. Creative and professional writing not elsewhere classified
470105. Journalism studies
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Byline AffiliationsSchool of Humanities and Communication
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Funding source
Grant ID
Australian Prime Ministers Centre
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