The Polish Immigrants in Great Britain

Abstract

The present article is an attempt to outline a picture of the Polish immigration in Great Britain after the Second World War. The material used has been based on the available English publications and the author’s private conversations and observations made during his several months stay in the Polish communities in England. This work has been written as part of the broader sociological investigations which are to be carried out in the forthcoming years.

The contents of the article is a description and analysis of the state of the Polish population in Great Britain, forms of their organizational, social, cultural and religious life as well as the forms of their assimilation and integration with British society. Thus, the following issues have been examined: the beginning of the Polish settlement in Great Britain, the post-war movements of the immigration, the „geography” of their settlement, the ways the Poles joined in the social and industrial life of their new country, and the forms of their activities aiming at maintaining their consciousness of belonging to the Polish nation and culture. These forms cover the work of social, political, cultural and religious organizations, the sphere of journalism, literature and scientific research. Their main objective is the youngest generation which is particularly exposed to the process of denationalization. An important role is played here by the Church since its religious activities are closely connected with nationally oriented ones. Thus, the author presents the assets of. the Polish Church in Great Britain and the forms of its participation in the whole socio-cultural life of the immigrants.

Finally, on the basis of the opinions of some leading immigrant activists the author tries to present the existing direction of assimilation and denationalization of the youngest generation which is exposed to numerous influences of integration with the society and culture of the country they consider their homeland. With respect to this problem some suggestions concerning modification of educational activities of the Polish Sunday schools and youth organizations have been put forward.