Experiences, Perspectives, and Challenges Faced by the Australian Immigrants - Research Proposal Example

EXPERIENCES, PERSPECTIVES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY THE AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRANTS Name: ID: Subject: Lecturer: Tutor: Table of Contents Executive summary p.3 Introduction  p.4 Literature Review p.4 Methodology  p.5 Results p.6 Conclusion  p.9 Appendices p.10 References p.14 Executive Summary This research focuses on the personal experiences of the Australian immigrants in their settlement process. It addresses their experiences with the local communities and their attitudes towards the immigrants. The research also addresses the settlement choice of the immigrants and the influences to these decisions. It also highlights the adoption of the Australian culture as part of the assimilation process to facilitate the process of settling in. the factors that facilitate the assimilation as well as those that deter the process (Armitrage 2011 p.43) Introduction This research focuses on the experience, perceptions, and challenges faced by first grade immigrants in Australia. Over 25% of the Australian population entails immigrants who have increased the population by 1:4 times. The third largest number of immigrants come from china and comprise of over 6% of the Australian population. The relationship between the immigrants and the native communities provide an essential aspect of investigation to determine the ease of assimilation of the immigrants into the country’s population. The Chinese immigrants offer a particular interesting angle to this investigation due to their increasing population as well as their economic contribution to the Australian economy. Literature Review The Chinese immigration into Australia began in 1818 and other Chinese immigrants followed and quenched the great demand for labor especially during the gold rush era. The population grew so rapidly that the government felt the need to regulate their inflow into the country (Brahm 2013 p.24). A lot of hostility emerged in form of anti-Chinese riots such as the Lambing Flats Riots and the Buckland Riots during which they lost their gold as well as tents. Due to this prejudice, the Chinese community settled into camps that later transitioned into Chinese towns displaying the cohesiveness of the community. Various researchers have investigated the various dynamics of the Chinese immigration and settlement their settlement in Australia. Certain theories have come up in the previous research in an attempt to analyze these immigrants’ dynamics. (Brahm 2013), (Soutphommasane 2013) discuss the multiculturalism theory. (Lewis 2006) also highlights the multiculturalism theory in dealing with the cultural differences in the country. The studies focus on the distinct aspects of the Chinese culture such as the religious beliefs. Most Chinese people are atheists and Buddhists while a small percentage share Christianity ideologies. The Chinese population continues the practice of certain cultural activities in their settlement areas within Australia. The research focuses on the cultural transition of the society due to the incorporation of the cultural aspects of the immigrant groups. (Satzewitch & Wong 2011) and (Armitrage 2011) highlight the assimilation theory that focuses on the cultural standardization of the multicultural nation. These studies focus on the standard measures of assimilation that focus on the equality of the ethnic groups in Australia. (Carey & Mclisky 2009) highlights the adjustments in the Australian regulations that have facilitated assimilation if the immigrants. Various immigrants hail from different ethnic groups and therefore have different beliefs and perspectives. However, Australia requires all the immigrants to adhere to certain regulations that standardize its citizens regardless of their origin. This involves the Australian heritage that the citizens identify with regardless of their origin through institutions that advocate for a common language, values, and character. (Mansouri 2011) And ( Pentikainen 2008) focus on the differential exclusion experienced by members of different communities. Various cultures possess distinct characteristics that act as the modes of identity. These aspects may influence the view of the society towards the ethnic groups. The studies highlight that the Chinese community underwent exclusion due to the spending habits. The Chinese population preferred sending most of their income to their families in Asia rather than spending it in Australia. The previous researchers focus relied on the census data collected by national statistical bureaus. They conducted secondary research through the analysis of data collected to derive their conclusion. This research will conduct primary research to collect first hand information for analysis purposes. Previous researches focus on the overall migration theories such as multiculturalism, assimilation, and differential exclusion while overlooking the personal experiences of the immigrants (Soutphommasane 2013 p.51). This research will seek to answer the question, how does the assimilation of first grade immigrants affect their expectations and perceptions? What challenges and opportunities faced by an ethonocultural group affect its integration into the Australian community? Methodology This research intends on using the primary research techniques. Interviews are an effective method of collecting data that collects firsthand information from the participants. The interview will feature a semi-structured format where some of the questions are close-ended while others are open-ended. This ensures standardized responses as well as encourages expression of honest opinions. A one-on-one interview will enable the collection of quality data in an efficient manner through observing the nonverbal traits of the interviewees. The respondents are first generation immigrants selected through random sampling to represent their respective ethnicity groups. The research relies on the personal experiences of the respondent making the interview structure a crucial aspect( Pentikainen 2008 p.62). The data collected then undergoes analysis to generate a theory that represents the findings. The main secondary data collection method used is the correlation analysis that outlines the relationship between the variables to enable accurate conclusions. Specific relationships are drawn between variables for accurate conclusions. Various theories will assist in the analysis theory; the assimilation, differential exclusion and multiculturalism theories. Results The interview featured an immigrant from the Chinese ethnicity group. Settling in a European country proved challenging for the respondent and his family due to the cultural differences. The initial interaction of the respondent featured Chinese community members. The major reason of this was the similarities with other members of the community especially in terms of the language. The language barrier restricted the communication with the neighbors. The local residents could easily identify the family as new immigrants due to their communication language as well as their cultural behaviors. With time the respondent adopted the Australian culture, learnt the English language that enabled the interaction with other communities in Australia. However, the adoption of new cultural aspects has a limit since they still practice their Chinese culture. The differential exclusion theory involves the discouragement of permanent settlement leading to political and socioeconomic marginalization of the immigrants. The Chinese community faces exclusion due to their economic habits of working for low wages and sending their incomes to their families in china. The society sees them as low contributors to the economic growth of the country and taxes were imposed on their income to generate income for Australia. This ideology contributed to racism especially emerging from the genetic differences of the community. The cultural disparity also contributed largely to the racial segregation of the ethnic group (Satzewitch & Wong 2011 p.59). Upon settling in Australia, the respondent’s culture had to change since some practices acceptable in Chinese are unacceptable in Australia. Whenever his actions faced disapproval by the society, the respondent restrained from it and instead focused on the actions that made him acceptable in the society. This led to the adoption of local culture and the erosion of his initial cultural practices. The respondent like many from his cultural setting lives in Ashfield local government area, Sydney. The choice of the Chinese respondents’ residential area depended on the residential choice of the other Chinese immigrants. This regrouping facilitated the formation of a Chinese sub community in Sydney that made them feel comfortable in a foreign land. Previous relatives had also settled in the same region and had therefore oriented the immigrant family on the setting of the region (Satzewitch & Wong 2011 p.42). At the time of migration, the respondent could speak minimal English that facilitated communication with the locals. Upon arriving in Australia, the immigrant attended English classes to enable communication in class where he intended to study medicine. These attempted to reduce the exclusion that the Chinese face and the stereotypes associated with them. The assimilation theory focuses on the integration of the different cultural groups into a standardized system. The Chinese group has successfully blended into the larger Australian society through the adoption of the English language and the general federal system (Satzewitch & Wong 2011 p.62). This ensures equality of the communities by recognizing them as Australians rather than members of individual communities. This eliminates ethnic prejudice among the Australian citizens and offers a conducive settlement ground for the immigrants. Initially the respondent felt isolated when interacting with other Australians and continued to identify solely with the ethnic community. Interactions with the locals facilitated their integration since they learnt the people’s culture and values. High level of interaction led to assimilation where the respondent moved to a neighborhood with European neighbors. Attending the local university heavily facilitated this transition since the students come from diverse backgrounds. Learning the English language became a necessity to ease communication with other citizens. The Australian educational institutions use English language hence Chinese students must learn the language. The local stores sell European commodities which made the respondent begin to use and appreciate them. The Australian population generally appeared welcoming but there existed a challenge of identifying as Australian due to the Chinese descent. The multiculturalism theory reflects a nation of cultural diversity. This theory discusses the interaction of different cultures in formation of a cohesive society. In the interaction, process leads to the cultural exchange and transitions to a level of understanding between the ethnic groups. This leads to the formation of a culture that all the Australians can identify with. This has enables the Chinese community feels as part of Australia since they can identify with various Australian cultural aspects (Mansouri 2011 p.16). The respondent hails from the Chinese community and even after adopting the European culture; his Chinese identity remains intact. This situation exists for the members of other ethnic immigrants in Australia. This causes the grouping of citizens according to their cultural interests, which may trigger the negative attitudes towards the other communities who share different interests. The perception of the immigrants on the local communities depends on their initial experiences received during interactions. The reception given to them remains engraved in their memories. The Asian immigrants face discrimination and experience major resistance from anti-Asian groups. This affects their pride in identifying as Australians and some of them completely refuse any Australian influences (Armitrage 2011 p.54). Learning the English language forms part of learning the Australian culture and some Asians therefore make minimum effort in learning the language. Conclusions Australia being a multicultural nation accommodates immigrants from various parts of the word such as Asia. The immigrants maintain their initial cultural identity despite their adoption of the European culture. Presence of a large number of immigrants facilitates the assimilation process but does not eliminate the challenges faced by the Asian immigrants. The ethnic differences evident in the Asians make them stand out as non-Europeans, which deters their settling in process. The assimilation process therefore possesses challenges that may potentially cause racism issues (Armitrage 2011 p.34). The research confirms that class issues are not the only sources of social inequality in the Australian community. Ethnicity contributes a large part to the social inequality of the Australian population due to the cultural differences of the immigrant population. Members of a similar social class may face differences due to their ethnic differences with the immigrant taking the lower position. Appendices Respondent type: first generation immigrant Interview type: semi-structured; with both open-ended and close-ended questions Interview transcript: 1. Describe your migration experience. My name is Shi Wan I moved to Australia with my parents and sisters from china. It took us a month to move from china and settle comfortably in the new location. The authorities really facilitated our migration process and it was easier than expected. Please refer to your motivation, expectations, settlement experience as well as your content with your decision? The main reason of moving to Australia was to improve our economic status. In china, we lived a life of poverty and did not have sufficient resources to improve the situation. The move to Australia offered the family hope and hence became our source of inspiration. We had other relatives who moved to Australia over a decade ago who organized our settlement process. 2. What makes you feel and identify as Asian in Australia?  I was born Asian but did not realize the importance of that identity until i moved into a foreign land where people hail from different regions. This identity makes me comfortably relate to people from my culture with whom we can share cultural ceremonies and beliefs. It gives me a great sense of belonging. 3. Which factors influenced your decision to settle in your Local Government area? The reason we settled in Ashfield area was that our relatives organized a house for us in the locality. They had lived in ash field since migrating into Australia and had maintained their residential areas. Living there felt like home since most of the neighbors had Asian origin. However, after joining college I moved to various locations not depending on where my neighbor came from. 4. Do you feel well integrated in the wider society? Yes. I feel like a normal Australian resident. Initially I felt different and could feel people glancing at me from the corner of their eyes. After interacting with the locals they were so warm and I began loving their culture and incorporating it into my daily life. What does, in your opinion mean to be well integrated? Integration is incorporation into the Australian lifestyle without the feeling of being different. What are the obstacles (the obstacles that you have overcome), if any, you've come across that unable your successful integration? Well, despite living in Australia for a decade I still meet people who do not consider me an Australian. Some anti-Asian individuals have openly hauled insults at my family and i. some of our European neighbors cannot talk to us because we are Asians and they say it openly. Another obstacle was the language barrier but we solved that through attending English lessons. 5. Who, in your opinion, is an Australian?  We are all Australians since we are all members of the same community and therefore must coexist. 6. What do you understand by Australian Culture?  Australia is a multicultural nation and therefore incorporates the cultures of all its citizens. The Australian culture is that of diversity and equality through fair treatment of the citizens. general questions 1. When did you first arrive in Australia? November 2010. I was 18 at the moment 2. What was your English proficiency level on the time of the arrival? I cwas familiar with thw basic English phrase for basic communication 3. What courses/classes did you attend for studying English language?  I attended weekly English classes for a month immediately after settling in since I intended to study medicine and they used English in the school. 4. What is the highest level of education that you have achieved & in which country?  I am taking my bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery and I hope to practice medicine in Australia upon graduation. 5. What language do you speak at home?  We still speak Chinese in the house but occasionally use English especially when we have visitors. 6. What is your family situation?  We came from a life of poverty in china but life has drastically improved. My parents secured jobs in a local restaurant while I have a part-time job at a local mall that caters for my upkeep. 7. Is Ashfield Local Government area your first residential choice? Yes. My family lived in Ashfield with our relatives since our arrival in Australia. References Andrew Armitrage 2011. Comparing The Policy Of Aboriginal Assimilation: Australia, Canada And Germany. UBC Press. Fethi Mansouri 2011. Migration, Citizenship And Intercultural Relations. Ashstate. Ashgate Publishing Geoffrey Brahm Levey 2013. Political Theory And Australian Multiculturalism. Berghahn Books. Jane Carey, Claire Mclisky 2009. Creating White Australia. Sydney. Sydney University Press. Merja Pentikainen 2008. Creating An Integrated Society And Recognizing Differences. Lapland University Press Richard Lewis 2006. Multiculturalism Observed: Exploring Identity. Sydney. Vubpress. Tim Soutphommasane 2013. Don’t Go Back To Where You Came From. Melbourne. Newsouth Publishing. Vic Satzewitch, Lloyd Wong 2011. Transnational Identities and Practices. Sydney. Ashborne Publishers. Read More