Perspectives on welfare for the unemployed
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Introduction
Students analyse a range of primary sources to explore the various perspectives on the unemployed that existed during the Great Depression and World War II. They examine how and why views about the role of the State in providing welfare changed during this period.
Achievement standard
By the end of Year 10, students explain the historical significance of the period between 1918 and the early 21st century. They explain the causes and effects of events, developments, turning points or movements in 20th-century Australia and internationally, leading up to and through the Second World War, and the post-war world. They describe social, cultural, economic and/or political aspects, including international developments, related to the changes and continuities in Australian society over this historical period. Students explain the role of significant ideas, individuals, groups and institutions connected to the developments of this period and their influences on Australian and global history.
Students develop and modify a range of questions about the past to inform historical inquiry. They locate, select and compare a range of primary and secondary sources and synthesise the information in sources to use as evidence in historical inquiry. They analyse the origin, content, context and purpose of primary and secondary sources. Students evaluate the accuracy, usefulness and reliability of sources as evidence. They sequence events and developments to analyse cause and effect, and patterns of continuity and change, connected to a period, event or movement. They evaluate perspectives of significant events and developments, and explain the important factors that influence these perspectives. They compare and evaluate different and contested historical interpretations. Students use historical knowledge, concepts and terms to develop descriptions, explanations and historical arguments that synthesise evidence from sources.
Content descriptions
Historical Knowledge and Understanding
The effects of World War II, with a particular emphasis on the continuities and changes on the Australian home front, such as the changing roles of women and First Nations Australians, and the use of wartime government controls. (AC9HH10K04)
Historical Skills
Identify the origin and content of sources, and explain the purpose and context of primary and secondary sources. (AC9HH10S03)
Compare perspectives in sources and explain how these are influenced by significant events, ideas, locations, beliefs and values. (AC9HH10S06)
Student learning resources
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The making of a welfare state
Perspectives on welfare for the unemployed
Suggested activity sequence
This sequence is intended as a framework to be modified and adapted by teachers to suit the needs of a class group.
- Use a grouping strategy to organise students into groups of 4.
- Students read sources A-E.
- Groups discuss:
- the extent of unemployment during the Great Depression
- methods the government used to support the unemployed during this period.
- Individually, students:
- read sources F-G and Q-R
- complete the worksheet.
- Discuss (in groups then as a class):
- What were the arguments against the way those who were unemployed were provided for during the Great Depression?
- What were the arguments in favour of the state providing welfare?
- Why do you think people held different views about how to provide for the unemployed?
- Why do you think views about unemployment benefits changed over time?
Related Activities
- When and why did Australia become a welfare state?
- Life in the Great Depression
- Source analysis
- Continuity and change
- Causes and effects of changes to the welfare system