The concept of national identity has been referred to as an imagined community as members of a nation will never know most of their fellow-members. Australia's national identity has been constructed over time by historians, journalists and politicians and has been greatly influenced by the English and Irish derived ethnic groups. The influences from these people have created certain stereotypes such as the bushman and the digger.
The influence of the English and Irish began with the first Bushmen being mainly ex-convicts, bringing with them their longing to be distinguished from their British fathers. A traditionalist's view of early Australia was that of the "workingman's paradise" and this view was pushed by many to encourage migrants to Australia. The romanticised stereotypes of the "typical" Australian have often left out most Australians, especially women. .
It can be seen that Australia's national identity is indeed gendered and women have had to overcome major acts of adversity to get where they are today. When men have been sent to fight our wars in the past, women have been made to overcome their maternal attachment and keep the country running and still they would receive no recognition. It is clear that the preferred image to represent the nation is man.
INTRODUCTION.
Australia's National identity has been constructed through time by journalist, historians and politicians. Indeed, it can be seen how women found it difficult to live in the nineteenth century, especially with the traditional views of women, and what it would take for them to be seen as heroines. Due to historians being mostly male, it is hard to understand a true and clear picture of what it was actually like for women before, during and after the nineteenth century. One reason why most women workers found it challenging and were not appreciated is because of the social views of women, and the egocentric males.