Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. The Palaeconomic History of Aboriginal Migration: 1. Introduction; 2. Conventional views and alternative approaches; 3. Non-Malthusian issues: pathways and innovations; 4. Malthusian potential in Aboriginal migration; 5. Some possible migration scenarios; 6. Conclusion; Part II. Development, Structure and Function of Aboriginal Economy: 1. Introduction; 2. The process of early settlement; 3. Variety in pre-contact Aboriginal economy; 4. The nature and function of Aboriginal economy; 5. Dynamic elements in Aboriginal society; Part III. Disease, Economics and Demography: 1. Introduction; 2. The problem of an exposed population; 3. Re-estimating precontact numbers; 4. Turning the models around; Part IV. Establishing a Bridgehead Colonial Economy to 1809: 1. Introduction; 2. History and theory; 3. Free lunches antipodean style; 4. The general conditions of success; Part V. The Take-Over Process To 1850: 1. Introduction; 2. British development in the long run; 3. The Hunter gatherers of Empire; 4. British, American and Macassan presence in the takeover; 5. The major players; 6. Aborigines and British law; 7. Economics in the takeover; 8. The significance of disease; 9. Interaction of disease, resistance, integration and submission; 10. Conclusions; Appendices; References.

Promotional Information

Examines the processes which allowed economic control of Australia to pass from Aboriginal to European hands within 60 years of settlement.

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"As a major contribution to world systems theory, this study should be held by every anthropological and economic research library." Choice