Date of Award
2020
Degree Name
Master of Philosophy (School of Arts and Sciences)
Schools and Centres
Arts & Sciences
First Supervisor
Doctor Leigh Straw
Second Supervisor
Doctor Sandra Nasr
Abstract
The central concern of this thesis is the disconnect between the premise of democracy and economic realities. The first section of the thesis examines the essential components of a democratic political system by drawing upon political theorists of the past and present. From Aristotle to Robert Dahl the thesis gains an understanding of what democracy is, by identifying and isolating its essential mechanisms. The following section situates liberalism and its origins. Such a history is critical for within liberalism is the sum of many social norms, philosophies, laws, and culture in Australia. Combining political theory and the historical context of liberalism reveals several contradictory political ideals that do not match with economic and social reality. However, the mode of production and the political superstructure had effectively transformed by the 1960s and 1970s giving rise to a post-material humanitarian politics. The last sections of the thesis cover this unique moment in Australia. During this period democratic politics was being genuinely expressed. This was a time of increased political participation and decreasing inequality. What this period offers is an insight into when Australia was a healthy democracy, and identifies a time when economic realities were beginning to match the premise of democracy.
Publication Details
Elias, D. A. (2020). Is Liberal Democracy a Contradiction?: A Study of Political Participation and Inequality in Australia During the 1960s and 1970s (Master of Philosophy (School of Arts and Sciences)). University of Notre Dame Australia. https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses/278