The dole and Australian surfing: A historical perspective on the future of work and welfare.
The future of work is uncertain, with Artificial Intelligence poised to disrupt the job market and potentially render millions jobless. The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 1700s, created the working class, and Israeli historian Yuval Harari suggests we may witness the creation of a new, massive unworking class. This 'useless class' may struggle to find employment and contribute to society's prosperity and power.
The concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as a potential solution, but it raises concerns about creating a dispirited and aimless population. In Australia, surfers have long relied on a system of UBI, affectionately known as 'the dole'. This system offers insights into a future where the 'useless class' might find purpose and meaning.
Despite its impact on surf culture, the dole has been largely absent from the surf media's historical record. This can be attributed to the market-driven approach adopted by surfing as neoliberal ideas gained prominence. The rise of clothing companies and their control over surf media meant that dole recipients were not the target audience, leading to a blackout in the historical narrative.
However, it's time to address this historical oversight. World War II introduced innovations like polyurethane, fibreglass, polyester resins, and surf forecasting, which significantly impacted surfers. The welfare state, based on the 1941 Atlantic Charter, also played a crucial role in Australia, emphasizing economic security as a human right.
Post-war prosperity in California influenced Australian surfing, with the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s further shaping the sport. The North Coast area, with its affordable living and low population growth, became a haven for surfers. The dole, though meager, provided a safety net, and its indexing ensured its value increased annually.
The 1980s, a decade of excess and greed, saw the rise of the surf industry and professional surfing. The dole allowed surfers to afford beachside houses and engage in supplementary cash work, often illegal. Marijuana growing became a significant cash crop, and Indonesian travel was affordable, making it a staple for surfers.
The dole-funded surf lifestyle was unique to Australia, with no equivalent in other countries. The UK's dole culture focused on inner-city squats and music, while Australia's music scene thrived with the support of dole payments.
The success of Australian pro surfing in the 1970s and 1980s can be attributed to the public sponsorship of mass surfing hours, creating a competitive and conducive environment for skill development. However, the male-dominated culture may have suppressed female talent.
The early 1990s recession led to a shift in the dole system, with the Howard Government implementing punitive measures and tightening the under-the-table cash economy. Coastal living became untenable, and smart surfers cashed in on the mining or building booms.
The dole-funded surf lifestyle faded, replaced by tradies with flexible work schedules and sufficient income. The future, with widespread unemployment, may require a reconfiguration of welfare systems, including UBI, to provide for basic material necessities and offer a pathway for the 'useless class'.
As Steve Shearer concludes, time spent in the ocean developing skills and community could be a valuable bulwark against the economic disruptions caused by AI.
