The following thesis is about the formation of the Democratic
Labor Party(DLP). Its prime aim will be to show that ideology was
the overriding factor which brought about the DLP's existence. In
attempting to prove this contention the following thesis will be
subdivided into three parts.
Firstly, an emphasis will be placed on outlining the lack of
historiographical consensus concerning the DLP's formation. Three
main schools of thought will be identified. It is hoped the
inconsistencies within each group will allow the reader to see the
scope that exists for a new argument.
Secondly, this thesis will argue that the DLP's existence was
d i r e c t l y related to the Catholic Social Studies Movement
(Movement) and ALP Industrial Groups. This connection will be
highUghted by drawing together DLP policy, Movement/Industrial
Group directives, populist ideals and views from contemporaries
associated with Democratic Labor. Issues concerning the family,
economics, social decentralisation and patriotism will all be used
to illustrate and reinforce this link.
Thirdly, this thesis will introduce some key Catholic activists
and discuss their definition of "true" Labor ideals. By bringing
forward this final point, the following thesis will seek to complete
the argument that ideology was at the heart of the DLP's genesis
and existence.