'Chinese Inscriptions': Australian-born Chinese Lives

Tan, Carole A. (2004) 'Chinese Inscriptions': Australian-born Chinese Lives. Phd Thesis, School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies, University of Queensland.

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Abstract

This thesis represents a transdisciplinary study based on qualitative research and critical analysis of oral history interviews and the personal narratives of sixty-seven Australian-born Chinese. It uses cultural studies approaches to investigate the diverse ways Chineseness becomes inscribed into the lives of Australian-born Chinese. It investigates diverse ways Chineseness becomes inscribed into the lives of Australian-born Chinese within three social and cultural spaces Australian-born Chinese inhabit. These are the family, mainstream Australian society and Chinese diasporic spaces located in China and Australia. In examining these three social and cultural spaces, this study seeks to demonstrate that Chineseness represents an inescapable ‘reality’ Australian-born Chinese are compelled to confront in their everyday lives. This ‘reality’ exists despite rights of birth, generational longevity, and strong national and cultural identities and identifications grounded in Australia, and whether or not Australian-born Chinese willingly choose to identify as ‘Chinese’. Nevertheless, despite the limits of Chineseness Australian-born Chinese experience in their lives, this study demonstrates that Australian-born Chinese are individual agents who devise a range of strategies and tactics which empower them to negotiate Chineseness in relevant and meaningful ways of their own choosing.

Item Type:	Thesis
Status:	Unpublished
Keywords:	Australia; history; Chinese-Australians; overseas Chinese; Chinese diaspora; identity;
Subjects:	430000 History and Archaeology > 430100 Historical Studies > 430101 History - Australian 420000 Language and Culture > 420300 Cultural Studies
ID Code:	1826
Deposited By:	Tan, Carole Anne
Deposited On:	17 October 2005
Alternative Locations:	http://adt.library.uq.edu.au/public/adt-QU20050906.092428/
Copyright Owner:	Copyright 2004 (please consult author)
Additional Information:	The author of this University of Queensland thesis is currently employed at QUT. The thesis has been deposited in the Australian Digital Theses colletion. Please use the hypetext link above to access the thesis.