Understanding the Experience of African Immigrants in South East Queensland

Abstract

This thesis attempts to describe the experiences of adult African immigrants in South East Queensland, who, as a relatively recent and growing immigrant group in Australia, have not been the subject of significant research attention. The empirical study explores their lived experiences by focusing in particular on the role of racialised ‘black skin’ identity constructions in their migration and settlement experiences. Specifically, the study examines the mediating effects of race and skin colour, and how differences in ‘race’ and ‘racialised’ identity constructions interact to impact their experiences as visible immigrants in Australia. The central research question asks how African immigrants define their identity, personal and socioeconomic well-being in white majority Australia. The study examines also these related sub-questions: How do African immigrants describe the impacts of racialised black skin colour on their everyday lives in Australia? What does living in a black body mean for African immigrants in Australia?