The Problem of Otherness: Poland’s Immigration Policy and the Virtues of Parochialism
The Problem of Otherness: Poland’s Immigration Policy and the Virtues of Parochialism

Summary/Abstract: Over the past decade, immigration has been the main driver shaping Poland’s migration policy. This has given rise to the concept and problem ofan immigrant as an “other” who should be adjusted to Polish reality. Theidea of parochialism is helpful in addressing the matter of the looking glass self and its consequences for immigration policy. This article aims to interpret Poland’s immigration policy in the context of parochialismand its virtues. It points to the consequences of a migration paradigmshift generated by modernisation and indigenisation. The methodologyembraces a theoretical framing of parochialism, an interpretive political analysis approach, a qualitative content analysis, and an interpretation of selected public opinion polls and surveys. The argument developed in this article holds that Poland’s immigration policy after 2015 has been marked by the tendency to favour parochialism as an attitude which captures immigrants in the exclusionary formula of “others”. The mobilisation of the Polish population to oppose the inflow of immigrants is in line with their “domestication” according to ethno-nationalist standards. Such process facilitates the implementation of Poland’s immigrati on policy by shifting responsibility from the central authorities to local communities.

• Details
• Contents