Australian Dream

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The Australian Dream or Great Australian Dream is a belief that in Australia, home ownership can lead to a better life and is an expression of success and security. Although the standard of living aspired to is enjoyed by many in the Australian population, it is fast becoming an unrealised ambition for many. It has however, led to urbanisation, causing the country to become one of the most urbanised in the world and caused extensive urban sprawl in the major capital cities^[1].

1 Historical Background
2 References In Popular Culture
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Historical Background

The origin of the Australian Dream, dates back to the post World War II 1950s, the baby boom and the removal of rent controls^[2] There is some evidence, however, that the vast open spaces of early colonial Australia first instilled the notion in the early generations Australian families. The dream was certainly aided by the widespread of the motor car.

Typically the dream consists of a Quarter Acre suburban block, Hills Hoist, barbeque and swimming pool in the back-yard and two children and for the privilledged few, a once-a-year overseas holiday. It may also include the Saturday morning mowing of the lawn and washing of the car. Almost 50% of Australian households owned their homes through the first half of the century but the proportion jumped to more than 70 per cent in the 20 years after World War II.

Despite the decline of the dream, modern planning policies and the influence of immigration on the demographic, many observers believe that ownership of a dwelling is still important to many Australians even if they cannot achieve ownership of land.