Australian Post-War Immigration

Paper Summary:

This paper examines and summarizes dozens of research studies about immigrants to Australia in the aftermath of World War II. The paper focuses on the works of social scientists -- primarily sociologists -- regarding the displaced placed persons phenomenon and its impact on Australia. The paper also looks at studies that researched the ability of these DPs to integrate into Australian society -- both at the time and over the long-term. Another study focuses on the corollaries between the DP immigration and later immigration from the Far East and Asia. Finally, the paper looks at research into the Australian governments handling of immigration and immigrant issues.

From the Paper:

"Post war immigration is discussed briefly in general histories of Australia such as Crawford, Shaw and Ward. In these surveys, the reasons for Australia new immigration policy are discussed briefly, with some mention of the Displaced Persons Scheme, but in no great detail. The first thorough archival research work on the topic was conducted by Andrew Markus and in 1984 he published two articles in Labour History, the first concentrated on the development of post war immigration policy. Markus argued that prior to World War II, the Australian Labor Party opposed governmentally sponsored immigration plans on the grounds that an increased work force would strengthen the bargaining position of employers. During and immediately following the war, however, Labor endorsed immigration as a means of securing Australia's ability to defend itself and to develop the nation's resources. The second article specifically examined the Displaced Persons Scheme. Markus discussed the origins of the scheme, the reasons for its expansion and government attempts to gain the support of unions , the media and the general public. A feature of Markus's work is his detailed use of the Department of Immigration files. Markus pioneered the use of this important archival resource. Markus's articles were followed by longer studies in the late 1980s. In 1988 Glenda Sluga's work on Bonegilla was published."

More papers on Australian Post-War Immigration:

• Analytical Essay # 51323 : "Post War Immigration"
• Analytical Essay # 72273 : "The Post-War Budget for Iraq"
• Essay # 32629 : "The Success Of Post-War Japan"

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