Socio-cultural interaction of Arab immigration groups with Australian host society
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2008
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Immigration has had a substantial impact on the Australian population over the past four decades. During this period there has been a significant change both in the number of new arrivals and the origins of these settlers.
The Jordanian community, as one of the smallest ethnic groups in Australia, is represented in almost every state in Australia. The first significant Jordanian immigration to Australia occurred in the 1970s. Since then Jordanian immigration to Australia has increased, especially after 1991 because of the Gulf crisis and because the Jordanian government began sending students to Australia to continue their studies. Also, a significant number of Jordanians became Australian permanent residents and thereby contributed to the fast growth of the established Jordanian community in Australia.
This thesis shed lights on the Jordanian groups that immigrated to Australia along with issues relating to the Australian Jordanian community, which is now not only one of the smallest communities in Australia but also one of the most recognisable. The thesis draws an historical and contemporary picture of Jordanians in Australia, including those who stayed in this country after completing their study. This research investigates a wide range of factors, such as the pull and push that drove the population movement from Jordan to Australia. It also investigates the various factors that have interacted with each other to influence the Jordanians’ decision to migrate to Australia.
The study reveals that Jordanian migrants in Australia have often made a smooth transition in their lives in their new country. While the dynamics between migrants from the Middle East and the rest of Australian society has faced many challenges both before and after the event of September 11, 2001, Jordanian immigrants continue to adapt economically and culturally to Australian society and life-style.
Furthermore, Jordanian students in Australia are likely to be skilled migrants and to apply for migration status after completing their studies because they believe that Australia will continue to grow faster than other Western countries, and their stay in Australia will help their family back home.
This study offers convincing evidence that Jordanian immigrants play a very important, albeit modest role, in promoting business in Australia. Most of the people whom I interviewed have their own business and this study sheds light on the dynamics of small business ownership, the contribution of Jordanians to this field and its cultural significance to Australian society.
Finally this study concludes with some recommendations for further studies associated with Jordanians inside and outside Jordan.
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