UK, Ireland / Religion and identity among Polish immigrants in the UK [20]

Hi thanks for the response,

I wonder that from your reply are you saying, that the influence of religion on identity and attending mass, has to be broken into sectors of age and gender for Polish immigrants? And that it is seen as more of a social occasion for some??

UK, Ireland / Religion and identity among Polish immigrants in the UK [20]

I wonder if historical reference of the Catholic faith extends to all ages in todays society, is the history of and religion a key subject in education in Poland, or is the high number of Roman Catholics followers something that is passed down through family networks.

I like the idea that Poles abroad can adhere more to their faith or even find it once leaving their home nation. One would assume the social side of Church is comforting and allows the meeting of people experiencing the same emotions of adapting to a new environment. Would you say that the social side of religion eases the intergration process for Poles abroad into their new society and i wonder if it influence how they construct their new civic life.

UK, Ireland / Religion and identity among Polish immigrants in the UK [20]

I agree with your point about adhering to your home nation if the host country is being hostile, however is religion not something that is integral to being polish and regardless of hostility or acceptance in to the host nation, religion would feature highly in poles everyday life and identity construction. I read in the catholic nation: religion, identity and the narratives of Polish history by B, Porter that poles often evoke catholicism to describe who they are and that you can not talk about polish identity without talking about religion. As an aethist myself i find this fascinating, that such a high % of Poles are practising Roman Catholics and would use that to describe who they are over many ascriptive and elective factors.

Thankyou for the link to the church, i have already looked through this website, however if you know of any more i would be really grateful.

With regards to the Polish bar in Hammersmith, would you say that this community of Poles were congregating together to sustain cultural bonds and a nostalgic feeling of belonging? and does it hinder intergration into the community? Did you stick out like a soar thumb or were you welcomed with open arms?? id be interest to know.