Contemporary Politics in Australia
Theories, Practices and Issues

A diverse range of experts provide a comprehensive introduction to current theories, debates and research in Australian political science.

Rodney Smith (Edited by), Ariadne Vromen (Edited by), Ian Cook (Edited by)

9780521137539, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 2 February 2012

460 pages
25.6 x 18.9 x 2.5 cm, 0.93 kg

Contemporary Politics in Australia provides a lively and wide-ranging introduction to the study of Australian politics. Written by a diverse range of experts, the book offers a comprehensive overview of current theories, debates and research in Australian political science and looks forward to new developments. It encompasses not only formal and institutionally based politics, but also the informal politics of everyday life, including the politics of Australian culture and media. The book is divided into six key sections that cover: • political theory • politics in everyday Australian life • elections • participation and representation • the Australian state • contemporary political and public policy issues Contemporary Politics in Australia challenges the assumption that the study of Australian politics can be dry, descriptive or uncontroversial. Rather, it encourages an understanding of politics in Australia as contested ground. Featuring a glossary of key terms and a companion website, it is essential reading for students.

Part I. Contemporary Theories of Australian Politics: 1. Democratic theories Adrian Little
2. Institutionalism Allan McConnell
3. Behaviouralism Rodney Smith
4. Critical theories Ian Cook
5. Discourse theories and post-structuralism Simon Tormey
6. International theories Bob Howard and Diarmuid Maguire
Part II. Politics in Everyday Australian Life: 7. Political values and attitudes Shaun Wilson and Kerstin Hermes
8. Political socialisation Kathy Edwards
9. Media politics Peter Chen
10. Politics in Australian culture Catriona Elder
Part III. Elections: 11. Electoral rules Norm Kelly
12. Political parties as electoral players Nick Economou
13. Campaigns and campaign funding Stephen Mills
14. Voter behaviour Ben Spies-Butcher
Part IV. Participation and Representation: 15. Participation and representation through political parties Anika Gauja
16. Pressure groups and lobbying Darren Halpin
17. Government consultation Carolyn Hendriks
18. Social movements and new forms of participation Ariadne Vromen
Part V. Inside the Australian State: 19. Parliament John Uhr and Norman Abjorensen
20. Prime ministers and ministers Paul Strangio
21. Politicisation and the executive Maria Maley
22. Delivering public policy Anne Tiernan
23. The courts Katherine Gelber
24. Federalism Marcus Haward
Part VI. Contemporary Public Controversies: 25. A bill of rights Louise Chappell and Suzanne Jamieson
26. Taxing and spending Tim Battin
27. Employment and education Toby Fattore
28. Cities Brendan Gleeson and Wendy Steele
29. Indigenous Australians Virginia Watson
30. Health Amanda Elliot
31. The environment Jancie Dudley
32. Australia and the world Maryanne Kelton.

Subject Areas: Political parties [JPL], Political structure & processes [JPH], Political science & theory [JPA]