A Sketch of Australian Sociology, 1959–2014

Abstract

This chapter presents a general overview of the discipline in Australia since 1959, with regular reference made to the important early developments. Among the matters covered are: the funding background; the growth of university sociology departments; the uneven growth of student enrolments in sociology; the uneven growth of staff numbers in sociology; the gender balance (a trend towards feminization); and the trials and tribulations of the professional sociology association. At its core this material speaks to the theme of survival, inasmuch as it provides evidence of an ongoing journey. Nonetheless, there are more than a few elements within it that highlight the fact that the ongoing journey is only a comfortable one in some places and possibly only for a limited amount of time.