“Astride two cultures, I have roots in none.” - The dis:connecting experiences of British child migrants (1869–1970)

Show notes

In 2001, the Australian government published the “Lost Innocents” report about the British child migration schemes to Australia. Recognising the long-term effects of the schemes on those involved, the report stated: “Loss of identity, a sense of belonging and the loneliness of being far from home affected all child migrants.” Between 1869 and 1970, 150,000 children were sent to the British settler colonies – mostly to Canada and Australia – by charitable welfare organisations.

This episode takes a closer look at the identities of these child migrants and their sense of belonging. We will take a long-term view, asking what changed from the late 19th century to the late 20th century, and how the decolonization affected child migrants.

Given the scarcity of child-produced sources, it is difficult for historians to study children’s perspectives. This episode shows how studying children’s voices in their letters, speech, songs and behaviours helps historians to complicate the picture painted in the sources produced by child migration agencies. While these agencies argued that the children only moved places within the British Empire and would quickly adapt to their new surroundings, listening to the voices of the young migrants shows that migration was an ambivalent experience, connecting and disconnecting at the same time.

The global dis:connect podcast is hosted by the Käte Hamburger Research Centre global dis:connect at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Episode idea and research: Susanne Quitmann Written by: Susanne Quitmann Podcast idea: Roland Wenzlhuemer & David Grillenberger (global dis:connect) Podcast concept: Roland Wenzlhuemer (global dis:connect) & Daniel Fürg (48forward) Production: The 48forward Studios