Our lecture today about community psychology reminds me of the TV programme about Polish people who are living in Peterburgh. Basically, this is a story of the small town which has had a huge number of arrivals from Eastern Europe, mostly Polish. This has reached the point where many of the English people living there moved out, as they no longer felt part of the local community.
I really think that the theory of McMillan & Chavis is a great explanation of this situation. The same nationality and similar background brings these people together. I have impression that they made their own little world were to get into you will need to have membership. If you are Polish or Eastern European you will be accepted otherwise there is no entry. Emotional connection appears here as well, they share the same feeling of being immigrant and any other emotions related to these issues. Through integrating, they feel comfortable and secure. Being together means “we have something to say”, other people can hear us.
This example show how powerful community can be. This situation could apply to any community that is living in a different country or area. I question my self as an immigrant “Am I a part of the Polish community?” I don’t make an effort to become a part of this community, but because there are so many Poles here, it has happened without me realising. This is something which appears without my control. I go to Polish shops and Polish mass also, I have Polish friends. This makes me feel I am a part of them. However, I am not pleased to attend any Polish social or interests clubs. I avoid integrated only with Polish people, as in my opinion to do so is a little bit narrow-minded. From my general observation I would disagree with Karolina, as I do think that immigrants have always made their own communities, and I don’t see why they won’t continue to do so in the future. There is the psychological reasoning behind this, but the main reason is that people feel stronger together, and a new place feels less intimidating when you are not alone.
Although I am a part of the Polish Community in Edinburgh, a large part of my life is now with the local community. I would place myself to be more with the local community. For example I am a member of the local Friends of the Earth Group. I work with, study with, and socialise with Scottish people.
Where do you cross the line????
Recent Lectures
17 years ago
I don't think its about crossing any line as such. I think most people are members of different communities at the same time, drawing on each and contributing to each with different things. That's a good thing, helping us to understand different people's perspectives on different issues.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a good thing that you have a sense of community here, I've found it very hard to find that. As someone who has recently moved to Edinburgh, I feel it's lacking in a sense of community! Maybe that is the area where I live, but people don't know each other, everyone keeps seperate and it feels transient. I was used to a totally different atmosphere in Liverpool, it has a bad reputation but there are some great people and it was very easy to make friends and become accepted into the area. I wonder if this is a historical point - Liverpool as a port city has accepted many different people into the city over the years and I just do not get that sense in Edinburgh? There's definitely "lines" here, my question would be "how do we cross the line?" !
ReplyDeleteI also think that it is a great example.. my thoughts come back to how you are as an individual imapcts on your achievements...you have mentioned that you want to integrate also into local community and interact with socttish people taking action to join Friends of the Earth group is a classic example sharing your interests and values in a different way has enhanced your sence of belonging, mirroring your self identity! Both a citizen of Edinburgh and Poland.
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