British National Identity and the Dilemmas of Multiculturalism

Abstract

Nationalism and multiculturalism are often perceived as polar opposites with the former viewed as the disease and the latter the cure. Contrary to this view, this article argues that a strong national identity, albeit of a particular kind, is prerequisite to a stable and functioning multicultural society. The article seeks to identify both the causes and the implications of the absence of an overarching, civic national identity in Britain, further to the goal of seeking a meaningful solution. It is our contention that the problem lies in the difficulty involved in reconciling current pressures on British identity with a coherent narrative of British history, especially its imperial past.

From declinism to endism: exploring the ideology of British break-up

“…Moreover, the downplaying of allegiance to the larger British political community in contrast to the deeper roots of discreet national identities possibly makes the distinction too sharp since 'political constructs can come to be sources of considerable cultural pride'. 103 The endist case is not self-evident, nationalism is not unchallenged and arguments for the break-up of Britain 'must be made rather than simply being the inevitable next step of the devolution project'. 104 Though the distribution of 'melancholy' and 'hubris' in the multi-national Union may have become inverted, with those wishing to end it feeling that the future belongs to them and those in favour of retaining it feeling less confident, the trend from identity to separation is certainly not conclusive.…”

Is Britain a force for good? Investigating British citizens’ narrative understanding of war

“…As Asari et al (2008) note, Empire has often been conspicuously absent from British history curricula, so many younger citizens may have little knowledge of it. In contrast, older participants such as Leonard (55-64, Wales) and Neil (65+, Worcs) both cite proud moments at school of being shown the map of the world with 'all the areas of pink' Britain controlled.…”

Questions of language in the commonwealth censuses

“…In no case was mother tongue or home language the subject of enquiry. Large‐scale immigration of non‐English speakers in the later 20th century resulted in the adoption of the concept of multiculturalism, rather than assimilation, without clear linguistic objectives (Asari et al , 2008). However, the establishment of significant communities of non‐English speakers raised issues of access to information and social services.…”