Ethnicity and identity Flashcards
(18 cards)
what is ethnicity?
relates to culture - all have an ethnic identity made up of religion, language, where we live, ethnic origin, skin colour
- are all cultural characteristics all affect who we are + how we see ourselves
- in the UK we identify certain ethnic groups by their shared cultural characteristics eg. religion, language etc - though this is often problematic
who has a more complex ethnic identity?
2nd, 3rd, 4th gen migrants + mixed race have a range of cultural characteristics = ethnic identity more complex
what does ethnic identity intersect with?
intersects with nationality, gender, social class, age –> everyone’s experience is different
what does Modood point out?
points out that the category “Asians” includes pakistanis, bangladeshis, indians - different religious groups; sikhs, muslims, hindus + several language groups
- in the US term asian-americans refers usually to those of chinese or Japanese origin
- though china is clearly in asia majority of asian immigrants in the UK originate from the indian subcontinent due to their colonial history
what did Ghumann find?
found that tradition, religion and family values play and important part in upbringing 2nd gen asians in the UK and that asian children tend to be socialised into the extended family, with emphasis on duty and commitment
what did Gilroy look at?
looked that the identity of young black people, explaining the use of term ‘black Atlantic’ describes an identity that was not rooted in the UK or in their country of origin. shared experiences of racism can transcend backgrounds of history to create a ‘black’ identity.
what did Derrington and Kendall research?
researched ethnic identity in the traveller community and looked into different aspects of society, which saw the challenges of growing up within a minority ethnic group in the UK influences someones own identity.
What did Hewitt consider? (white british ethnic identity)
Hewitt considers the white backlash against multiculturalism. policies designed to achieve equality have been branded unfair by the white community, and a white working-class person under person economically has often reacher with anger at perceived ‘positive discrimination’ –> in favour of ethnic minorities and feeling the need to defend their ethnic identity?
where do most ethnic minorities come from and what similar issues do they have?
- in the contemporary UK, due to the expansion of EU, most ethnic minorities are from eastern and central europe white countries
- they also claim to have similar issues relating to discrimination and racism that the Caribbean’s also faced in previous decades
what does Spencer suggest?
spencer suggests that EU migrants spend little time socialising with British people. in their research it was reported that british people don’t let you in their circles.
what did Dawney find?
Dawney found evidence of racism against EU migrants in the rural community she studied, which largely come from a perceived threat and fear of numbers that didn’t necessarily have a bias in reality.
resistance or hybridity? - what does Brah argue?
Brah argues that british asians are very skilled code switchers, meaning they can their identities across two cultures and will find ways to negotiate their own identity.
- neither the white or british culture is homogenous, so the idea that young british asians experience conflict isn’t backed up by evidence
resistance or hybridity? - what did Cashmore and Troyna find?
Cashmore and Troyna found that there is a tendency for ethnic minorities to turn inwards in the community to seek support from those within their own ethnic community as a response to the racism they experience. this makes religion and culture strengthened as they become sources of identity and support.
resistance or hybridity? what did Winston and James argue?
argues the experience of racism is unified in the culture and identity of the african-carriebeans in the UK. black people from the carribean have cultural differences based on their island of origin, and also divided based on the darkness of their skin, which is proposed by colonialism.
- however, in the UK, racism has had the effect of drawing african carribeans together
resistance or hybridity? what does Jacobson argue?
argues many young pakistanis are adopting a strong islamic identity as a response to social exclusion from the white british society.
- she found that british muslim face difficulties and problems, and a strong muslim identity gives them a sense of stability and security.
- this positive embracing of islamic identity in terms of diet, dress is a form of resistance to marginalisation and racism, and isn’t just absorbed through the family but consciously constructed
resistance or hybridity? how can ethnic identities become more hybrid?
as those from ethnic minorities and those of white british origin are all influenced by each other’s culture in the media.
ethnic hybridity is not a mix between two cultures
changing ethnic identities? what did Modood find?
Modood found that 2nd gen ethnic minorities from both african carribean + asian backgrounds felt more british than their parents but still saw their ethnic origin as a key part of their ethnic identity.
changing ethnic identities? what do postmodernists argue?
postmodernists argue in a globalised and media orientated society eg. contemporary UK today, identity is all about choice - anyone can create their own identity. Hybridity means ethnicity is becoming less significant.
- however, some would disagree, arguing that ethnicity and race are still sources of discrimination and hugely affect identity.
