Photo by i"SNY!

Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and Zimbabweans residing in the UK are collectively dubbed Antipodeans, but what is being Antipodean really all about?

While significant research has been conducted into British migration to Australia, the surface has barely been scratched when it comes to exploration of Antipodean migrational behaviour.

Symposium keynote speaker, Professor John Eade of Roehampton University, spoke about the changing face of migration in London, with particular focus on the Polish community. The 1900s saw Poles migrating to London out of opportunistic motivation to improve their societal stance upon return to their home country; the same sort of behaviour we see motivating some Antipodeans today. With London's position as a global city, it offers young professionals the chance to gain experience and seek financial remuneration on a scale not available to them in their home country.

Professor Carl Bridge of Kings College London discussed another key motivation behind Antipodean migration to Britain, one that has been best exemplified by Australians such as Clive James and Barry Humphries; the utilisation of nationality as a foundation upon which to build a career - Australianism as a selling point. He argued, that modern Antipodeans are able to use the positive reputation of their home country to their advantage when exploring opportunities, professional or otherwise, in Britain.

Professor Bridge went on to speak of the culture of institutions that exist in Britain for expats to demonstrate and celebrate their Australianess; from the London AFL to events such as The Church and themed bars like the Walkabout.

The themed pub culture was further explored by Monash University's Dr Simon Sleight. His discussion centred on the concept of 'cultural cringe'. It was prompted by an online discussion condemning Australian themed pubs as cause for national shame, describing those who frequent them as 'bogans' and 'yobbos'.

The contempt amongst some Antipodeans in being associated with institutions such as themed pubs gives rise to the question of why this concept of cultural cringe is apparently on the rise. It was suggested that it may be partly explained by recent changes to UK visa conditions. New rules allow holders of the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa (working holiday makers) to once again work for two years rather than one. Highly skilled migrants, on the other hand, now have even greater educational adherences to fulfil. This combination means that a type class gulf between the different kinds of visiting Antipodeans – those seeking adventure and those focusing on their long-term career - is opening up.

The panel discussion identified three key types of intended stay for Antipodean's coming to Britain: those on their Overseas Experience or Working Holiday, those staying for a period of 8 or 9 years with the intention of returning to their home country, and those who come to settle while retaining citizenship in their home country, returning only for holidays.

This categorisation allows identification of the different sub-groups that exist amongst Antipodeans. It confirms that, as with any marginal group within a society, Antipodeans are a diverse collective and their experience is of a varied and forever evolving nature.

The Antipodean Experiences Symposium took place at Australia House on September 3.


Article originally written for and published by Australian Times.