Ethnic identity among young Australian women with a third-generation Greek heritage

Abstract

Post-World War II influx of migrants to Australia brought to the fore the notion that immigrants undergo cultural assimilation. As such, immigrant settlement policies during the time of mass Greek migration to Australia were guided by the belief that newcomers would lose their distinctive characteristics and become indistinguishable from the majority population (especially over two or three generations). However, studies have pointed to the inaccuracy of this straight-line model of acculturation. They illustrate that ethnicity does not have to follow a straight line trend towards the eventual total disappearance of all traces of ethnicity among later-generation descendants of immigrants. In fact, many studies provide evidence of persistence, or even increase in ethnic identification, indicating a complex and dynamic pattern of identity formation. Research shows that ethnicity transforms and assumes alternative forms of expression. Hence, the challenge has been on developing an alternative theoretical explanation for how, and why, ethnicity matters for different groups. When it comes to the Greek community of Melbourne, immigrants resisted the pressures of Anglo-conformity and placed a high value on Greek cultural preservation. As a result, Greek identification and pride has remained strong. This study draws on the theoretical framework of social constructionism and explores the subjective understandings, meanings, and significance of ethnic identity among young Australian women with a third-generation Greek heritage. Data from thirty in-depth, semi-structured interviews shows a strong sense of Greekness among the young women. The majority self-identified as ‘Greek-Australian’, attributed a great level of significance towards being Greek, and expressed positive attitudes and feelings towards their Greekness. In doing so, it was common for the young women to describe their lives as comprising an involvement in the social life and cultural practices associated with Greekness; with ethnicity emerging as a strong determinant of behaviour, attitudes, values and decision-making. For these young women, ethnicity reflects a set of values and practices that shape and impact on their lives. Findings indicate that being Greek was hugely significant for the young women and that there is a complexity and dynamism in the construction of a Greek identification which is more than symbolic and not entirely optional. At the same time, findings indicate that shared practices and institutions play a significant role in the robustness and resilience of ethnic identification among the young women.