Abstract
This chapter deals with external migration flows to and from Upper Silesia, during the recent period of transition in Poland (1989–95). The explanation for this movement is sought in recent history and in the contemporary socio-political and ethnic situation of the region, as well as in regional emigration patterns. The potential of emigrants from Upper Silesia in Germany to be the basis for a return movement will be considered. The demographic, economic and political reasons for this prospective return movement will also be examined to some extent. The general economic and social situation in the region forms the background to the study. Special attention will be paid to the process of ethnic transformation in the period during and after the Second World War, and this will be considered from the point of view of both the region itself and the country as a whole. The chapter brings into focus the effect of migration processes on population trends in Upper Silesia, as well as on the regional socio-economic structure. In addition to this, some basic factors of the economic transformation and of major obstacles hindering the processes of emigration and of the return of people to the country, are also highlighted.
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However, the representative of German Minority Society in Opole Silesia, senator Gerhard Bartodziej says: ‘They return to take a look but they do not return to settle here. Return migration is still a rare phenomenon. At the moment the only people undertaking this kind of movement are intellectuals who have realised that there is no place for them in German society. It is not possible for common `bread eaters’ yet. But returns to Upper Silesia will happen in the tens of thousands soon. Those people, who left the region during the last few years, those who did not get rid off all they had, those who have dual citizenship and homes here will come back to Upper Silesia soon (Interview of A. Krzeminski with G. Bartodziej: `Reprezentuje niemiecka czesc polskiego spoleczenstwa’ [I represent a German part of Polish society], Dialog. Deutsch-Polnisches Magazin No. 3–4, 1996, pp. 38–41, 47).
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© 1999 School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London
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Heffner, K. (1999). The Return of Emigrants from Germany to Upper Silesia: Reality and Prospects. In: Iglicka, K., Sword, K. (eds) The Challenge of East-West Migration for Poland. Studies in Russia and East Europe. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-27044-6_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-27044-6_9
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
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