Immigrants and politics

Abstract

The great post-war immigration boom has affected Australian society in many ways. Little is known, however, about how New Australians have affected, and been affected by the Australian political system. This study, carried out in Brisbane, is concerned with the two largest groups of post-war immigrants, the British and Italian. Drawing on carefully designed social surveys, the author describes the processes by which the immigrants adapt to the Australian political scene He examines the degree of their political participation, compares their political behaviour in Australia with that in their countries of oiigin, and looks at the way feelings of satisfaction and identification with the new homeland are related to political interest and activity. Australians have a reputation for political apathy. The newcomers appear to reflect this apathy; yet in the United States ethnic politics is well advanced, with solid blocks of Jewish, Irish, Italian, and Negro voters. Why should Australia be different? This question is among the many tackled by the author. Answers do not always come readily, but the results of the survey add significantly to our knowledge of Australia's immigrant population. The book is essential reading for political scientists, sociologists, and psychologists, and will interest all people who want to know more about the impact of new settlers upon the Australian way of life.