Chinese Australian women in White Australia : utilising available sources to overcome the challenge of "invisibility"

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    Abstract

    Chinese Australian women are largely absent from scholarly accounts of Chinese Australian migration and settlement in the White Australia Policy period. This invisibility in research has been perpetuated by studies that emphasise the sex imbalance of the Chinese Australian population at the time, focus on male spheres of influence and activity, and utilise “traditional” historical sources that generally overlook the lives of women. Despite their relatively low numbers compared to their male counterparts, Chinese Australian women were present in the Australian nation throughout the White Australia Policy period and their lives, experiences and contributions are worthy of investigation. Despite limitations of official documentation, sources are available that bring to light the presence and lived realities of Chinese Australian women in this historical and geographical context. By combining information obtained from historical census records and in-depth interviews with Chinese Australian women themselves, the presence and migration experiences of this previously “invisible” group are brought to the fore.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)75-101
    Number of pages27
    JournalChinese Southern Diaspora Studies
    Volume6
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

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