This work investigates the profound psychological and social shifts occurring within the Australian population during the 1990s as the nation grapples with rapid economic and cultural transformation. Hugh Mackay, a prominent social researcher, utilizes his extensive background in social analysis to examine how Australians are responding to systemic instability. The book argues that the prevailing sense of anxiety and insecurity is a direct byproduct of the country's struggle to redefine its identity amidst significant structural changes.

The text provides a comprehensive, data-driven snapshot of a nation in transition, reflecting the specific sociological concerns of the early 1990s. Its focus on the intersection of personal anxiety and national policy offers a clear, analytical framework for understanding the period's social climate.