A content analysis of advertisements in the Chinese times, 1902-1914

The Australian Chinese community of the early 1900s has been described as a 'closed' community, isolated from the mainstream Australian society and self-sufficient. The Chinese men were seen as largely idle, lacking the means for respectable recreation. This study investigated the dual role of the Victorian Chinese community during 1902-1914, firstly as a business entity and secondly, as a consumer market segment. The findings offer a new challenge to the earlier notions of the Chinese community, particularly with respect to its 'closeness' and ostracism from the rest of the Australian society, It also highlights some aspects of the interactions between European and Chinese business communities in Victoria.