No Ordinary Life: Early migrant experiences of second generation displaced persons in Australia

Abstract

Using grounded theory methodology and interviews, this study explores the experiences of second generation displaced persons from Polish and German background who grew up in Australia post-World War Two. Many of this cohort, from their early years, experienced: limited social, economic, and cultural capital; assimilation; and lived in war-affected families. It was, therefore, important that they became resilient and adaptable. Emergent from the research are the theoretical concepts of “parallel lives” and “circle of protection”.