Mabo’s Cultural Legacy

This insightful book, Mabo’s Cultural Legacy, examines the transformative impact of the 1992 Mabo decision on Australian culture and identity.

This book explores the profound effects of the Australian High Court’s landmark Mabo decision of 1992 on the cultural landscape of Australia. It delves into the ways in which history, linguistics, anthropology, and various forms of artistic expression—such as film, fiction, poetry, and memoir writing—have been both challenged and transformed by the implications of the Mabo case. The Mabo decision is not just a legal milestone; it has reshaped the narrative surrounding land, identity, and belonging in Australia, prompting a reevaluation of the nation’s history and cultural practices.

In the years following the Mabo decision, the book examines how contemporary Australian culture reflects and refracts the post-Mabo imaginary. It raises critical questions about the ongoing discourse surrounding First Nations sovereignty and how it has been creatively imagined in recent years. While the judges acknowledged native title, they simultaneously denied full sovereignty to Indigenous peoples, leading to complex discussions around identity and belonging that continue to evolve.

Offering a multidisciplinary perspective, Mabo’s Cultural Legacy features contributions from scholars based in Australia, Europe, and the UK. This diverse range of insights provides a comprehensive overview of the various ways Mabo has influenced artistic endeavors and cultural practices in Australia today. By examining these intersections, the book highlights the enduring significance of Mabo in shaping contemporary cultural narratives.