Polish emigration to Great Britain: social structure and adaptation challenges
https://doi.org/10.37493/2409-1030.2024.1.2
Abstract
Introduction. The article is devoted to a relevant and little-studied issue in Russian historiography. Most of the studies of domestic authors consider the reasons for the emigration of Polish citizens to Great Britain and the influence of this process on the demographic situation in the country. The social profile of emigrants and their adaptation to the new sociocultural environment have not been adequately reflected in the works of Russian authors. Materials and Methods. In the process of working on the topic the author applied the principles of historical anthropology. Materials of analytical centres and mass media of Poland and Great Britain were used as historical sources. Analysis. Polish emigration to Great Britain is becoming the most important factor influencing the life of both states and their relations. The article reveals the social characteristics of Polish emigrants living in the UK. The author pays attention to the dynamics of the number of Polish emigrants and the geography of their settlement in the United Kingdom, emphasizing the particular attractiveness of Greater London. Polish emigrants initially, holding low-skilled positions, were able to achieve success in the professional field. Therefore, the thesis about the extreme dependence of Polish emigrants on social benefits cultivated by British nationalists is not true. Welleducated young people with proficient level of English language skills dominated among emigrants. At the same time, the growing number of emigrants from rural areas leads to an increase in the share of emigrants with a low level of education. In terms of gender, men prevailed among emigrants. The author analyses the behaviour of Polish emigrant families in case they give birth to children and how this fact affects their well-being. Results. The article shows the success of Polish emigrants in adapting to new conditions of life and labour activity on the territory of Great Britain. According to the author, one of the indicators of the high degree of adaptation of Poles is the high percentage of selfemployed in their environment. In conclusion, the author emphasizes that, despite Brexit and COVID-19, most Polish emigrants prefer to stay on the territory of the UK without breaking close contacts with their homeland.
About the Author
A. V. Bobeshko
North-Caucasus Federal University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Artem V. Bobeshko, PhD Applicant
1, Pushkin St., Stavropol, 355017
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Review
For citations:
Bobeshko A.V. Polish emigration to Great Britain: social structure and adaptation challenges. Humanities and law research. 2024;11(1):20-30. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.37493/2409-1030.2024.1.2
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