A New European Identity is Emerging

1. “Transnational identities – cities unbound – migrations redefined”6th – 8th OctoberKraków , PolandDr Teresa Staniewicz[T.Staniewicz@warwick.ac.uk]Manager, Centre for Rights, Equality and Diversity

2. A New European Identity is Emerging I aim to cover the following themes: • Introduction: a new ‘European migrant’ • Established Polonian community in the UK • Social capital formations exemplify new type (use of new networks – virtual communications) • Examples of A8 migrant experiences (quotes: London, Midlands, Scotland [n.3/) • Theorising about the new intra-EU migration • Problems associated with integration • Closing comments (if time allows)

3. A ‘New European’ Identity As a result of an unprecedented conflation of events (globalisation, EU expansion), there is evidence of the emergence of a new kind of migrant. These 21st century migrants are developing a new kind of, one might say, European identity, one which is neither fixed nor tied to place, but one which itself is contextually fluidic in nature. This paper proposes to outline the nature of some of this new migratory modus operandi, by looking at A8 Poles, & comparing them with already established Polonian communities in the UK.

4. Polish migration to the UK:a short history (i) Although it is now considered something of a historical discussion when speaking of post WWII Polish migrations, it aids typological analyses when comparing subsequent migratory waves. The largest ever wave of Poles arriving to the UK was as a result of WWII. These were mainly in the form of exiles, DPs (later re-classified as EVWs), and ex-army personnel [official figures ~ 160,000].

5. Polish migration to the UK:a short history (ii) These post-war Poles had no way of returning home, as most were from Poland’s pre-war eastern flank. They were stateless. Group patterns indicated that: • They were well-educated (34% h/school Dip. – 6% indigenous population – males) • They were predominantly male • Conditions imposed restricting movement • Directed to 3 labour market niches for 3 yrs – coal mining, agriculture, heavy industry (textiles), another condition to stay in the UK.

6. Post-WWII Diaspora limited geographical movement around UK v. specific ideological basis / raison d’etre – UK community ‘place’ assimilation was requisite, esp. given British post-war race discourse, and the need to ‘fit in’ Post Accession Poles unlimited movement – throughout the UK ties (so far): loose, with no attachment to ‘place’, ‘space’ or ‘location’ discourse surrounding integration features as less important in the lives of A8 migrants Migrants’ Respective OrientationsSocial capital formations(i)

7. Post-WWII Diaspora social mobility was achieved in the traditional way by 2nd generation – via success in education only elites had more immediate success no real sense of self mobilisation as a group Post Accession Poles there is evidence of social mobility being achieved as a benefit of the migratory process. Indications are that success is not restricted to Favell’s Eurostars evidence of utilising skills (T/Union orgs) Migrants’ Respective OrientationsSocial capital formations (ii)

8. Post-WWII Diaspora Display some classic features of a diaspora: community attrition; archaic language usage; inward looking; maintaining ideology; 2nd & 3rd Generation have little in common with new migrants. Use existing networks. Post Accession Poles display patterns in both spatial and social mobility. Able often to communicate in several languages; are outward looking; interested in attracting family & friends to UK; & create additional networks (own wave of social and virtual ones) RespectiveOrientationsSocial capital formations (iii)

9. A8 Migrant Orientations A8 migrants appear prepared to be versatile in all public and private ‘spaces’. They display sophisticated rationale-choice explanations for choosing UK (self-betterment / new skills/ buy a home/car); not all are market-oriented elites (Jordan, 2000). Forward looking and highly adaptive. E.g.: when choosing jobs, housing, destination, duration of stay; & even some consider further intra-EU movement in felt to be in their benefit. These factors indicate the fluidic and flux-like nature of this 21st Century migratory wave. Ease of movement facilitates this. Use of existing networks is supplemented by micro-networks

10. A8 Migrant Quotes Male, 24, London: “I have no real idea of where I will end up. I only know that I like travelling … who knows where to… I hear that Poles are welcomed everywhere.” Male, 36, Midland: “ I am learning new skills. I want to retrain. I already know two languages fluently, that gives me more chances in the UK… now I’m working as an interpreter, until I qualify. Female, 22, Scotland: “I have made many friends here, it is different to London, nicer people .. Many opportunities for Poles.”

11. Classic concepts seem unsuitable: for the following reasons: (eg): Integration:often used in a normative way, to imply a one-way process of adaptation. Polity often tacitly assumes that ‘it’ means conformity (by newcomers) to a homogenous set of [monocultural] norms & values, already in place. This along with other concepts (assimilation= devalues the cultures & languages of others. Adaptation= modifying aspects of cultural practice), all problematise the issue, as they presume the onus is wholly on the migrant to do something in order to ‘fit in’. A deconstruction of traditional discourse is required to reconceptualise and ‘re-map’ what we mean by the ‘integration of new migrants (refugees, asylum seekers, etc), how their presence changes us

12. Situational experiences of UK A8 migrants (i) It is impossible to locate any exploratory discussion about new movements, unless within them are factored the lived situational experiences of (i.e.migrants) in to the evolving discourse. Lifestyle choices (destination / home / jobs / family) - are all contingent upon the conditions and determinants of the ‘inclusiveness factor’ of any given society. We are now part of a global community, and world (or national) events impact on how we interact. Fluidity in to some extent relative – as is free movement…….

13. Situational experiences of UK A8 migrants (ii) • The absolute free movement of post-Accession migrants was removed at the last minute (and contrary to the spirit of the EU), written in to the Accession Treaty. • Cultural differences (Sectarianism; hate crimes) between existing ethnic groups & A8 migrants has resulted in a rising level of attacks on Poles (& other A8 migrants). These lived realities must also factor in to any new conceptual framework, for alternative concepts to have any validity. My respondents have confirmed that these do factor into their overall rational-choices

14. Points to ponder…… New migrants have many choices but some remain identical to these migrants’ predecessors. These factors determined to a certain extent the end product of their ethnicity today. It is a mistake to presume that all Poles and other A8 migrants (plus Bulgarians and Romanians) will integrate successfully and without problems. The fluidic nature of this wave conceals such problems - a new paradigm needs to acknowledge them.