In order to understand the massive social and cultural changes that took place in Australia since the end of World War II, Michelle Arrow examines popular culture through three main lenses: consumerism and the development of a mass consumer society; the impact of technological change; and the ways that popular culture contributes to, and articulates, individual and collective identities. She provides an integrated account of changes in a range of popular culture forms, meanings, production and consumption.

Studying abroad is an appealing prospect but involves a great deal of thought and preparation. The process can be fraught with uncertainties and a lack of knowledge in many areas. Important decisions need to be made before departure and on a daily basis throughout an international student’s studies. This practical and comprehensive book will help you evaluate your options every step of the way.

Rivers and Resilience traces the history of Aboriginal people along Sydney’s Georges River from the early periods of British and Irish settlement to the present. It offers a dramatically new approach to Aboriginal history in an urban setting in Australia. Leading historians investigate the continuities of traditional communities into the present in a densely settled suburban area where the continued presence of Aboriginal traditional owners is largely, and wrongly, dismissed or ignored.

Australia was born vulnerable. From its beginnings as a precarious convict settlement on the ‘other side of the world’, through the development of self-governing colonies, to Federation and beyond, recognising and dealing with vulnerability led Australians to embrace an insular attitude to the outside world, which in turn translated into state control over the economy and highly protectionist policies. So how did Australia transform from a protected, insular country to an outwardly focused, globalised one? And why, in the current economic climate, should Australia resist a return to its protectionist past? The Vulnerable Country begins with historical analysis of the interaction between politics and economics, covers the credit crunch of 2007 and culminates with the current global financial crisis. Tom Conley argues that now, more than ever, the state has a responsibility to promote diversification of trade while regulating economic activity and ensuring that the benefits of growth are spread as widely as possible.

The Australian Student Christian Movement has provided a forum for exploring spirituality and social issues in the nation’s universities for over a century. Described as a ‘university within a university’ the ASCM has had a national and international influence and has inspired leading academics, politicians, public servants, business leaders and clergy to put their faith into action. Renate Howe draws on a rich range of material from libraries, private collections and oral histories. She tells the inspiring story of the progressive ASCM, a movement whose influence has extended well beyond its formal membership.