Occupational Class Mobility among the Sons and Daughters of South Australia's First Expedition of 1836

Abstract

<p>Proponents of Wakefieldian 'systematic colonisation' promoted its potential benefits for those who were early participants in a newly established settler-colonial society.1 While the extent to which Edward Gibbon Wakefield's ideas were implemented in the antipodes has been debated, it is generally agreed that Wakefieldian promotional material fostered mass migration, inspired investment and provided the mechanisms to convey emigrants across oceans to settler-colonies in Australia and New Zealand.2 Despite his personal failings and scandalous reputation, Wakefield was a skilled salesman.3 In the case of South Australia, those who participated in the initial stages of the proposal were assured they might profit from land speculation, entrepreneurial opportunities, advantageous employment and increased social standing.</p>