National Identity

• National identity is how we see ourselves and how others see us in relation to our nationality, such as where we were born or where we have citizenship.
• Nation states are independent self-governing geographical areas defined as a nation, united by a common identity and culture, like Wales and Scotland.
• Nationalism is the political idea that every nation has the right to have its own historical homeland and independent state to run its own affairs.
• Byrne

  • Citizen ceremonies focused around democracy, freedom, collective memories (World Wars, 1966 World Cup victory)
  • Presented England as a green and pleasant land using symbols like coins, flags, anthems, and uniforms.  
  • Idealised version - didn't mention Britain's role in the slave trade or cultural hybridity.
  • Most interviewees had recently experienced racism - yet presented as a ‘welcoming nation’ 
• Fox - Watching the English

  • Socialised into using language codes like talking about the weather
  • English have distinctive norms and conversation codes
• Ritzer

  • Globalisation is problematic because the Americanization it brings, which leads to homogenisation. 
  • Argues that our unique sense of national identity will be lost. 
• Hall –3 responses to globalisation 

  1. Accept global culture and move towards cultural homogenisation 
  2. Take on some parts of global culture, leading to cultural hybridity  
  3. Reject global culture and apply cultural resistance 
• Sadar

  • 'Global identity crisis' - traditional ideas have broken down since the end of the Cold War 
  • Britain is no longer as powerful in comparison to growing superpowers like Russia, USA, and India - leaves us looking for allies and choosing between America or Europe
  • English traditions are becoming outdated - should be more focused on cultural diversity
• BNP is the British Nation Party
• Ford & Goodwin

  • Since 2001 BNP voters have risen by 500,000 
  • Voters have a distinctive profile: working-class, middle-aged, Northern men 
  • More threatened by immigration and rising cultural diversity since immigrants are likely to enter housing and labour markets as skilled workers.
• Zempi

  • Undercover research to see what Muslim women experience daily
  • British Muslim women who wear the burka experience racism, aggression, and insults everyday