Ethnic and National identities Flashcards
What did Cashmore and Troyna say about traditional ethnic identities?
Identified that immigrant groups faced open hostility and discrimination in the labour market, housing and education; and that immigrant groups ‘turned inwards’ in response, creating a community where they supported each other and shared experiences. They also found that black immigrants experienced racism which unified their culture and identity - the racists regarded all different black ethnic groups under one label, but they used this to unite.
What did Hebdige say about traditional ethnic identities?
Found that youhng black boys adopted part of the culture of Rastafarianism - dressing in red, green and gold, smoking marijuana etc - to form a resistance against racism, creating an identity separate from the mainstream white British culture. Riots and street fights were evidence of the new generation resisting in a way their parents couldn’t.
What did Ghuman say about traditional ethnic identity?
Suggests that Asian parents socialise their children into a particular set of values which are slightly different to those of British culture - children are brought up to be obedient, loyal and respectful to their elders. Parents thought they should choose their children’s marriage partners, and taught them about the problems with premarital sex and love marriages. Children were often taught their mother languages alongside English e.g. Urdu, Punjabi or Hindi.
What did Anwar say about traditional ethnic identities?
Said that the family can be a source of conflict for some Asian children, particularly around issues of western clothes, arranged marriages and freedom. Younger generations mix with others at school who hold different values, which influence their identities and can cause arguments when a culture clash is created; and in extreme cases ‘honour killings’ can occur. Girls tend to have less freedom than boys and are expected to conform to traditional roles of becoming a wife/mother. The first generation’s main fear is that, growing up in western culture, their children will abandon their culture and religion.
What did Butler say about traditional ethnic identity?
Did a study into Muslims in Britain and found that:
- Muslim women are an invisible minority in Britain and are discussed in the media in terms of stereotypes, portrayed as passive victims in their religion and culture, are made to stay at home (labelled as backward or inferior)
- although the second generation are maintaining central cultural values, issues are created in the family about western clothing, freedom and forced marriage. There is an emphasis on controlling Muslim girls as it is believed that the future of the community rests on them - so many are unwilling to let their daughters continue education or go to work as their reputation must be preserved - but this frustrates women who want to pursue a career.
What did Watson say about traditional ethnic identity?
Argues that a generation gap is emerging between the first and second generation.
What did Archer and Francis say about traditional ethnic identity?
Suggest that cultural factors are important in explaining the success of British Chinese students. He said that educational success is part of their identity, and when Chinese boys engage in laddish behaviour they still commit to school. Chinese parents also take a stronger role in developing their child’s academic success by continually talking to them about their aspirations and investing time and money into supporting this, even when they have little money to spare. These parents are critical of white-British parents who allow failure to develop in their children.
What did Coard say about traditional ethnic identity?
Said that education influences ethnic identities through school being institutionally racist because the curriculum is based around one viewpoint - white history and white literature dominate the curriculum. Teac hers are dismissive of non-standard English as a way of speaking, and sometimes hidden or overt messages are transferred to students. Ethnic minority students’ culture us devalued and students pick up on this. The national curriculum is ethnocentric.
