The changing patterns of Migration - 10/8/09 - Mrs. Trumm

The Changing Patterns of Migration

Assimilation
To be assimilated means to be absorbed into the dominant group of a society. The minority group is expected to assume the characteristics of the larger group. As part of Australia’s Assimilation Policy migrants were expected to speak English and no longer use their native language and to give up their culture and religion.
At first only those migrants who would fit into Australian society or looked like other Australians were welcomed. Later on the government allowed further migrants to come from eastern and southern Europe. This was due to a lack of interest from English speaking people.

Whilst the government largely ignored the problems faced by many migrants, church and neighbourhood groups did attempt to make assimilation easier.

The Failure of the Assimilation Policy

In spite of the Assimilation Policy, large numbers of migrants lived in communities with other members of their culture. Ethnic communities developed in places such as Leichhardt in Sydney. These communities retained most features of their culture and in some cases Australians began to absorb features of the minority group.

Policy of Integration
The Australian government was forced to review its policy of assimilation, as many migrants were not becoming the stereotypical Aussies that were envisaged. A policy of integration was introduced. Integration means that migrants were no longer discouraged from maintaining their cultural identity. Cultural differences were becoming accepted in Australia and many Australians enjoyed elements of a variety of cultures.

Case Study – Italian Migrants
Initially Australia was hesitant to accept southern Europeans from seeking citizenship. However, when immigration from the British Isles slowed, the government was forced to look further abroad for new citizens. Italians were expected to assimilate into the wider community.
Large numbers of Italians migrated to Australia. After leaving the migrant camps they usually chose to live in the vicinity of other Italians. Often they formed community groups and adhered to their traditions.
Many people are unaware of the fact that Italians account for the highest percentage of migrants since WWII. They have established large communities in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. Italian immigrants have added to the Australian culture to the point where we now accept Italian culture as our own. Source analysis – Identify the differences that are apparent between the two cultures.

Case Study – Refugees /Boat People

The international definition of a refugee is someone who has a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. To be a refugee that person must have fled their own country and be unable or unwilling to return. Australia’s first refugees were the Vietnamese boat people, who first arrived in 1977. They arrived on dilapidated boats and were often sick from exposure, disease or malnutrition. They were fleeing Vietnam after the collapse of the South Vietnamese government. Many had supported the war effort, of which Australia was an ally, and feared that they would be executed by the new communist government.
Many boats sunk, killing all on board (estimates are in the thousands). They had risked their lives to escape Vietnam and there was no doubt about their refugee status.

Multiculturalism
In the late 1970s, Australia had a flexible and compassionate immigration policy. Australians had begun to celebrate migrant culture including food, music, fashions, arts and entertainment. Multiculturalism gave all Australians the opportunity to maintain their identity whilst remaining a valuable part of the nation’s future prosperity.