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Ned Kelly: Armoured Icon

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 02:45 authored by Bruce TranterBruce Tranter, Jed DonoghueJed Donoghue
Myths associated with outlaws or ‘social bandits’ are important elements of national identity in many countries. Long after his death the outlaw Ned Kelly lives on in Australian culture through various media, ensuring his enduring symbolic importance for national identity. National survey data indicates Kelly’s salience for a majority of Australians, although attitudes regarding his status as hero or villain vary considerably. Younger, left-leaning, working-class Australians and consumers of popular culture view Kelly as important, while tertiary-educated, political conservatives tend to downplay his significance. Perceptions of Kelly’s character also influence attitudes regarding his national significance. The lack of foundation heroes in a nation built not only by free settlers but also by English convicts and Irish rebels goes some way to explaining why a 19th-century outlaw is one of the few historical figures recognized by a majority of Australians.

History

Publication title

Journal of Sociology

Volume

46

Pagination

187-205

ISSN

1440-7833

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Sage Publications

Place of publication

Queensland

Rights statement

© 2010 The Australian Sociological Association.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Citizenship and national identity

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