During [¹] the early twentieth century, in addition [2] to industrialization, urban growth and development, Australian technological society was experiencing a transformation of the domestic ideal. Consequently [³], people were subject to an increasing array of government and professional programs aiming to manage and regulate life, particularly [4] family life. Some of these programs were designed to counter social changes, others were designed to engineer them; overall [5] they each heralded a growing expert encroachment into the private sphere. Intervention and influence took three forms. Firstly [6), techniques designed to maximize efficiency were introduced into the home and scientific principles were applied to its design. In addition [7], housework and parenting methods were scrutinized and subject to unprecedented standards. Secondly [8], all aspects of reproduction attracted increasing intervention from government and the medical profession. Thirdly (9), state, professional and philanthropic groups began to usurp the parental role within the family through instruction and policy. Ultimately (10), the development of 'modern' social ideals brought regulation, intervention and ever-increasing unrealistic standards. Adapted from UNSW Sydney (2019)
