CHAPTER 3 The 1920s – roaring into modern Australia
3.3 A woman’s place in 1920s Australia
Name:
ACTIVITIES
Check your understanding
1.
The 1920s decade has often been characterised as a time of great change and progress.
What evidence is there to support this view of the decade?
2.
What role did women have in the 1920s Australian workforce?
3.
What was the significance of the ‘revolution’ in women’s fashion?
Using sources
1.
How did the trade union movement react to workplace inequality for women?
2.
The ‘scribe’ who contributed to the 1922 Argus newspaper (source 3.3.3) had very strong
views about women in the workforce. Summarise the main points of the writer’s
argument and then write your own reply. You may like to consider sources 3.3.1 and
3.3.2 to help you provide a strong argument why women needed the union movement’s
support in ensuring equal representation and rights in the workplace.
3.
How would advertising like source 3.3.4 have reinforced the sense of a woman’s place in
1920s society?
4.
A scene such as that depicted in source 3.3.5 would have been unthinkable before the
Great War. How does source 3.3.5 reflect the changes that occurred in lifestyles during
the 1920s?
5.
The Catholic parent in source 3.3.7 was quite clearly concerned about the changes in
lifestyle that occurred in the 1920s. List the activities that are regarded as morally
dangerous. Imagine that you are a Catholic community leader of this era and have been
asked to design a poster drawing attention to what you regard as immoral and dangerous
behaviour.
Researching and communicating
1.
The 1920s was a very important period in the history of Australian surf lifesaving. The
world’s first female surf rescue team was formed in Wollongong in 1912.
Organise a visit to a surf lifesaving club or to Sydney’s Maritime Museum to obtain
information about the development of this movement. Be creative in the way you choose
to present this history of surf lifesaving; you may consider posters, a timeline, a video
Retroactive 2 2E Activities
© Maureen Anderson, Anne Low, Jeffrey Conroy, Ian Keese 2005
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RETROACTIVE 2 2E
clip or a PowerPoint presentation.
2.
The advertisement shown in source 3.3.6 presents a very fashionable view of the 1920s
woman. Use the layout and visual images of the advertisement to design your own wall
display about the lives of Australian women during the 1920s. Consider the impact of
modern technology and entertainment on daily life, and the appearance of more women
in public life.
Notes:
Retroactive 2 2E Activities
© Maureen Anderson, Anne Low, Jeffrey Conroy, Ian Keese 2005
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