national identity Flashcards
AO1 - What does Anderson say about national identity?
Anderson argues that a nation is an “imagined community” where most members will never meet. National identity is socially constructed through symbols like flags and national anthems.
AO1 - How does Durkheim explain the role of rituals and symbols in national identity?
Durkheim states that rituals and symbols, such as national ceremonies, reinforce social cohesion and unity, helping to bring society together.
AO1 - How does Hall explain the role of shared experiences in national identity?
Hall argues that every nation has shared stories of sorrows, triumphs, and disasters, such as Britain’s victory in the World Wars, which contribute to a strong national identity.
AO2 - How does family contribute to national identity?
Families pass down key elements of national identity through food, language, music, and cultural traditions, helping children adopt and maintain their national identity.
AO2 - How does the formal curriculum in education reinforce national identity?
The curriculum teaches British history, literature (e.g., Shakespeare), and Christianity, reinforcing a British perspective. Coard describes this as “ethnocentric.”
AO2 - How does the informal curriculum in schools shape national identity?
Schools reinforce national identity through British food in canteens, assemblies on British events (e.g., Remembrance Sunday), and exposure to national traditions.
AO3 - How has Britain’s multicultural approach affected national identity?
Unlike countries like France, Britain has allowed immigrants to retain their cultural identity, promoting an ‘equal but different’ policy. This has led to divisions within British identity rather than assimilation.
AO3 - What did Modood’s research reveal about national identity?
Modood found that while most British-born Asians and African-Caribbeans accepted being socially and culturally British, over a quarter rejected it. Many felt that white people did not fully accept them as British due to their colour or cultural background.
AO3 - How does globalisation impact British identity?
Globalisation is eroding traditional British life, with global brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s replacing traditional cafes. Britain is also losing political influence, with the EU and US shaping its identity more than before.
AO3 - What does Sardar say about Britain’s loss of identity?
Sardar argues that Britain’s decline in global power has left it without a strong identity, making it more influenced by Europe and the US.
AO3 - How does Hall’s ‘cultural supermarket’ theory explain the decline of national identity?
Hall suggests that global culture allows people to create ‘hybrid identities’ by adopting elements from different cultures, making national identities less distinct.
AO3 - What does Kumar argue about English national identity?
Kumar states that English identity is difficult to define because British imperialism suppressed expressions of English nationalism in favour of a broader ‘Britishness.’
AO3 - How does Halsey describe global consumerism contributing to cultural homogenisation?
Global brands like Coca-Cola and Nike are found worldwide, making cultures more similar and making it difficult to define a unique British identity
