ETHNICITY IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
🔹 What is Ethnicity?
Ethnicity = a shared cultural identity based on common heritage, religion, language,
customs or traditions.
It’s socially constructed, but still feels real and has real consequences in shaping identity,
🔹 How is Ethnic Identity Formed?
belonging, and how others treat you.
Ethnic identity is shaped by family, religion, language, food, traditions and especially through
socialisation in ethnic communities.
But in contemporary multicultural societies, identity is rarely fixed or “pure” — it’s more fluid,
negotiated, and often hybrid.
🔥 Key Sociologists & Ideas
1. Ghuman (1999) – Asian Families
• British Asian families socialise children into obedience, loyalty, respect for elders,
religious identity.
• Religion (Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism) is central to identity.
• Ethnic identity is often collectivist, not individualistic like white British identity.
AO3: But second-gen Asians often negotiate between traditional values and British
mainstream culture.
2. Johal (1998) – Brasians & the “White Mask”
• Young British Asians create a hybrid identity = Brasian = blending British and Asian
cultures.
• Some may adopt a “white mask” to fit in at school/work but keep cultural traditions at home.
“Act white to survive, but never forget who you are.”
AO3: This shows ethnic identity is performative and strategic – shaped by racism and social
context.
3. Modood (1997) – Differences Within Ethnic Groups
• Points out that ethnic identity is not one-size-fits-all.
• E.g. Black Caribbeans, Black Africans, British Asians all experience and express identity
differently.
• Generational differences: 1st gen may focus more on tradition; 2nd/3rd gen = more mixed,
negotiated identities.
AO3: Highlights the diversity within ethnicity – avoid generalisations in essays.
🔹 What is Ethnicity?
Ethnicity = a shared cultural identity based on common heritage, religion, language,
customs or traditions.
It’s socially constructed, but still feels real and has real consequences in shaping identity,
🔹 How is Ethnic Identity Formed?
belonging, and how others treat you.
Ethnic identity is shaped by family, religion, language, food, traditions and especially through
socialisation in ethnic communities.
But in contemporary multicultural societies, identity is rarely fixed or “pure” — it’s more fluid,
negotiated, and often hybrid.
🔥 Key Sociologists & Ideas
1. Ghuman (1999) – Asian Families
• British Asian families socialise children into obedience, loyalty, respect for elders,
religious identity.
• Religion (Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism) is central to identity.
• Ethnic identity is often collectivist, not individualistic like white British identity.
AO3: But second-gen Asians often negotiate between traditional values and British
mainstream culture.
2. Johal (1998) – Brasians & the “White Mask”
• Young British Asians create a hybrid identity = Brasian = blending British and Asian
cultures.
• Some may adopt a “white mask” to fit in at school/work but keep cultural traditions at home.
“Act white to survive, but never forget who you are.”
AO3: This shows ethnic identity is performative and strategic – shaped by racism and social
context.
3. Modood (1997) – Differences Within Ethnic Groups
• Points out that ethnic identity is not one-size-fits-all.
• E.g. Black Caribbeans, Black Africans, British Asians all experience and express identity
differently.
• Generational differences: 1st gen may focus more on tradition; 2nd/3rd gen = more mixed,
negotiated identities.
AO3: Highlights the diversity within ethnicity – avoid generalisations in essays.
