From settlers to migrants: A symbolic interactionist interpretation of American migration to Australia
Bardo, John W. Bardo, Deborah J.
Bardo, John W.
Bardo, Deborah J.
Authors
Other Names
Location
Time Period
Advisors
Original Date
Digitization Date
Issue Date
1980
Type
Book chapter
Genre
Keywords
Emigration,Immigration,Social adjustment,Research,Sociodemographic factors
Subjects (LCSH)
Citation
Bardo, John W., and Deborah J. Bardo. “From Settlers to Migrants: A Symbolic Interactionist Interpretation of American Migration to Australia.” In Studies in Symbolic Interaction: Research Annual , 3:193–232. Greenwich, Conn: Jai Press, 1980.
Abstract
Addresses issues concerning individuals' definitions of situation and self as they relate to the decision to move to Australia, adjustments required, variables affecting those adjustments, and self-definitions in relation to national identity. It is argued that there are areas of conflict for many individuals who take up residence in Australia and that the general stance of symbolic interactionism can provide a framework within which migrant experiences can be interpreted and understood. Data were collected from extensive interviews with 60 18-65 yr old American residents over an 8-mo period in Melbourne, Australia; an additional 90 Ss' daily lives and American-oriented activities were observed. Results show that settlers in Australia go through a painful shift in commitments caused by their emersion in the social milieu. The majority never become sufficiently a part of the system to remain there. Few of the Americans who do become settlers lose their self-definition as Americans, although they do try not to be "Yanks." It is concluded that symbolic interactionism can provide interesting and stimulating perspectives for analyzing and understanding the phenomenon of human geographical mobility.
Table of Contents
Description
Publisher
JAI Press Inc.
Journal
Book Title
Series
Studies in symbolic Interaction: A research annual. Ed. Norman K. Denzin
v.3
v.3