For the State or for the Student: Changes in Career Advice in New South Wales Secondary Schools in the Twentieth Century David Hugh Southwood A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of B.A. (Hons) in History. University of Sydney October

Abstract

This thesis looks at how changes in the Australian Federal Government’s economic policy have affected career advice practices in New South Wales Secondary Schools. From 1927 – 75, career advice practices were primarily used to assist the nation in the process of industrialisation. However, from 1975 – 96 careers advice in schools has become increasingly marginalised as a result of the professionalisation of the role during the 1970s. The process of professionalisation had the effect of estranging Careers Advisers from the educational establishment and reducing their utility in facilitating the economic ambitions of the Federal Government.