Działalność kulturalna kobiet na rzecz integracji polskiej mniejszości narodowej w Irlandii Północnej

Abstract

While speaking of the integration process in the emigration context, usually we address the phenomena characterised by the establishment of relations and the creation of certain forms of coexistence between the host and guest communities. Nevertheless, integration also affects the processes that take place within particular minority groups. One of the aims of the integration within the group is the sustenance of identity and national memory, formation of patriotic attitudes and creation of communication networks and thereby constitution of a certa in in-group resourcefulness. Emigrants often feel lonely and alienated, they long for their country and miss the contact wit h their countrymen. In such situations it is often the women who take the role of social activists, leaders who try to integrate the Polish minority. By organising meetings and cultural events, they cultivate the national identity and national memory, and create the context for interaction among the Poles, which can fulfil the need of being with fellow countrymen. In my paper, I would like to focus on the emigrant women, who by their cultural activity attempt to integrate the Polish national minority in Northern Ireland. I would also like to present the goal and strategy of their activities and above all their effects. The paper contains the interviews with social activists belonging to Polish minority which lives in Northern Ireland.