HASS · Year 10 · Migration and Multiculturalism · Term 3

The White Australia Policy: Origins and Impact

Students will examine the historical context and mechanisms of the White Australia Policy and its impact on non-European migration.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9H10K07

About This Topic

Multiculturalism as a formal government policy was adopted in the 1970s, marking a definitive move away from the previous goal of 'assimilation.' This topic explores how multiculturalism encourages all Australians to maintain their cultural heritage while remaining committed to the nation's democratic values. Students examine the impact of this policy on Australian education, the media (specifically the creation of SBS), and the everyday life of the nation, from the food we eat to the festivals we celebrate.

For Year 10 students, this unit is a study in national identity and social cohesion. It highlights the economic and social benefits of a diverse population. Students grasp the practical application of multiculturalism through active learning strategies like analyzing the role of SBS in the media landscape, investigating local multicultural history, and debating the difference between 'assimilation' and 'multiculturalism.'

Key Questions

1. Analyze the historical factors that led to the implementation of the White Australia Policy.
2. Explain the various legislative tools used to enforce racial discrimination in immigration.
3. Critique the social and economic justifications for the White Australia Policy.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the social, economic, and political factors that contributed to the establishment of the White Australia Policy.
• Explain the discriminatory mechanisms, such as the Dictation Test, used to enforce the White Australia Policy.
• Evaluate the impact of the White Australia Policy on non-European migration patterns and the development of Australian society.
• Critique the arguments used to justify the White Australia Policy and compare them to contemporary understandings of human rights and equality.

Before You Start

Australian Federation and Nation Building

Why: Understanding the context of Australia's formation as a nation in 1901 is crucial for grasping the motivations behind early immigration policies.

Concepts of Identity and Belonging

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of how national identity is formed and what it means to belong to a society to analyze the exclusionary nature of the White Australia Policy.

Key Vocabulary

White Australia Policy	A series of historical government policies that intentionally restricted non-European migration to Australia, primarily aimed at maintaining a 'white' population.
Dictation Test	A discriminatory immigration test used between 1901 and 1958, where potential migrants could be asked to write out a passage in any European language at the immigration officer's discretion, often used to exclude non-Europeans.
Racial Discrimination	The unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or national origin.
Assimilation	The process by which a minority group adopts the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture, often losing their own distinct cultural identity.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Multiculturalism means that people don't have to follow Australian laws.

What to Teach Instead

The policy of multiculturalism explicitly requires all citizens to be committed to Australia and its democratic system and laws. It is about 'unity in diversity,' not separate legal systems. Peer analysis of the 'Australian Citizenship' pledge helps clarify these shared responsibilities.

Common Misconception

Multiculturalism is just about food and festivals.

What to Teach Instead

While food and festivals are visible parts, multiculturalism is also about equal access to services, economic participation, and representation in media and politics. Using a 'levels of culture' diagram helps students see the deeper social and economic aspects of the policy.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Role of SBS

In small groups, students research the history and mission of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). They analyze a current SBS program or news report and discuss how it reflects the policy of multiculturalism compared to mainstream media. Groups present their findings as a 'media pitch' for a new multicultural show.

50 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate: Assimilation vs. Multiculturalism

Divide the class to represent the 'Assimilation' policies of the 1950s and the 'Multiculturalism' policies of the 1970s. Students must argue the pros and cons of each approach for social cohesion and national identity. This helps students understand the fundamental shift in how Australia views its citizens.

45 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share: The 'Food' of Multiculturalism

Students list their favorite foods and identify their cultural origins. They discuss in pairs how the arrival of different migrant groups has changed the Australian 'diet' and what this says about cultural exchange. They then share their thoughts on whether food is a 'surface' or 'deep' part of multiculturalism.

25 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Historians and archivists at the National Archives of Australia use documents related to the White Australia Policy to research and educate the public about Australia's immigration history and its legacy.
• The Australian Human Rights Commission continues to address contemporary issues of racial discrimination, drawing lessons from historical policies like the White Australia Policy to inform its advocacy and legal frameworks.
• Genealogists and individuals researching their family history in Australia often encounter records detailing immigration restrictions and the impact of the White Australia Policy on their ancestors' ability to migrate.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with a quote from a politician or newspaper from the early 20th century justifying the White Australia Policy. Ask them to write two sentences identifying the main argument and one sentence explaining why this argument is considered discriminatory today.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'How did the White Australia Policy shape the social fabric and identity of Australia for decades?' Facilitate a class discussion where students share examples of its impact on different communities and national development.

Quick Check

Present students with a list of immigration policies enacted in Australia between 1900 and 1960. Ask them to identify which policies were part of the White Australia Policy and briefly explain the purpose of the Dictation Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between assimilation and multiculturalism?

Assimilation expected migrants to shed their original culture and become 'just like' the majority population. Multiculturalism, however, recognizes that people can be proud of their heritage while being fully committed Australians. In class, students can compare 1950s 'New Australian' pamphlets with modern multicultural policies to see this shift.

Why was SBS created?

SBS was established in 1978 to provide multilingual and multicultural radio and television services that inform, educate, and entertain all Australians. Its goal is to reflect Australia's diverse society and promote social cohesion. Students can investigate how SBS helps migrants maintain their language while learning about their new home.

How does multiculturalism benefit the Australian economy?

Multiculturalism brings diverse skills, international networks, and new business ideas to Australia. It also makes the country more attractive to international students and tourists. Students can research the 'diversity dividend' to see how multicultural workplaces are often more innovative and productive.

How can active learning help students understand multiculturalism?

Active learning strategies like debating policy shifts or investigating the role of media help students see multiculturalism as a dynamic and ongoing project. By analyzing real-world examples like SBS or local community history, students move beyond abstract definitions to understand how the policy affects their daily lives and the nation's future. This approach fosters a more sophisticated understanding of social identity.