Aussies Abroad: An exploration of Australian expatriates' citizenship practices and perceptions of national identity

Abstract

Globalisation has seen more and more people relocate across state borders than ever before. The way these individuals engage, identify and operate challenges existing nationalised concepts of citizenship, leading to development of citizenship theories that account for these changes. One such theory is that of transnational citizenship, which suggests that individuals can balance multiple identities and allegiances and be equally active and loyal citizens in more than one state. This study uses transnational citizenship theory as a framework to explore the lived experiences of a migrant group and analyse how individuals are balancing their citizenship practices and identity across state borders. Specifically, this thesis explores the citizenship practices and identity of Australian expatriates living in the UK and Singapore. By comparing the lived experiences of one highly mobile migrant group across two different locations, this study unpacks the ways that host countries can influence migrant feelings and behaviour across both the home and host country. This study is important because it explores the experiences of a migrant group that has not yet been researched in this field, filling an empirical gap and offering new perspectives with which to develop existing concepts and theories. The main research question is whether long term overseas residence impacts Australian expatriates’ citizenship practices and perceptions of national identity. This was explored by looking at two citizenship practices in both home and host country: social integration and political participation; as well as perceptions of national identity. The study takes a comparative case study approach. Data was collected using mixed methods consisting of a pre-interview questionnaire followed by semi-structured interviews with Australians living in the UK (n=24) and Singapore (n=25). This data was analysed using SPSS and NVivo, and key themes were used to answer the research questions across three findings chapters. The findings showed stark differences in both social integration and political participation of migrants depending on their host country. Differences in social integration are due to cultural and linguistic factors, but also institutional differences (e.g. regulation of housing or schooling) affecting everyday practices; while political participation was based on key institutional factors affecting migrant enfranchisement in their host country, which in turn influenced political participation in their home country. On the other hand, identity, its formation and any consequent changes, appears to be an overwhelmingly personal experience with little overlap within the group. In contrast, there is a significant amount of overlap between what different respondents associate with an Australian identity, almost all of which are forms of social interactions, habits, routines and practical knowledge. By presenting findings from an unexplored and highly mobile migrant group, this study fills an empirical gap and contributes new perspectives on how transnational migrants experience citizenship and identity. This study makes a significant empirical contribution which can help further the development of normative theory and inform policy to enhance Australia’s relationship with their large emigrant population.