EQ4 Migration, Identity & Sovereignty 11.3.19
EQ4: What are the threats to national sovereignty in a more globalised world?
National identity is an elusive and contested concept.
Hyperglobalisation; relevance and power of countries will reduce over time. Individual
group attachments to ethnic and religious identity will be replaced by a shared identity;
global citizenship.
Nationalist; national independence / the abandonment of policies that are viewed as a
threat to sovereignty or culture. Brexit.
Cultural cohesion; different national and ethnic groups making a mutual commitment to
live together as citizens of the same state.
How is nationalism reinforced?
- Education and the curriculum
o In 2014 English schools have been legally required to promote British values
as a part of the students, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
o The ‘fundamental British values’ comprise beliefs and practice in; democracy,
the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.
o Germany doesn’t talk about WW2 and leave out the concentration camps.
- Sports and culture;
o Olympics, football world cup.
o These can shape a patriotic feeling as if for example Britain wasn’t successful
in the Olympics there would be less nationalism.
o Sporting events can nurture national pride, unity, and loyalty. Even if it’s only
briefly.
- Political parties;
o use of policy to reinforce ‘British values’.
o UKIP party supports the citizenship tests for migrants seeking permanent
residency.
How has British identity changed over time?
- Religious beliefs
- Food
- Identity
- Vocabulary
As we see over time, more people that come to live in the UK identify more with that
culture rather than their ethnic origins. Over 70% of people with Bangladeshi origin identify
with being British in comparison to under 20% of them identifying with their overseas
origin. Even as an example, Mo Farah, a Somali born brought up in London, competed in the
Olympics for GB in 2012 and won gold, identifies with being British rather than Somalian.
Evident in an interview when asked if he would be prouder if he won it for Somalia, stating
“Not at all mate! This is my country.”
With the increase of globalisation and migration the increase of change in British identity is
continuously evident. Even the national dish has changed to chicken tikka masala, 2015,
traditionally an Indian dish which has been adopted by the British due to the influx of
migration that happened after WW2. Its popular among many ethnicities.
EQ4: What are the threats to national sovereignty in a more globalised world?
National identity is an elusive and contested concept.
Hyperglobalisation; relevance and power of countries will reduce over time. Individual
group attachments to ethnic and religious identity will be replaced by a shared identity;
global citizenship.
Nationalist; national independence / the abandonment of policies that are viewed as a
threat to sovereignty or culture. Brexit.
Cultural cohesion; different national and ethnic groups making a mutual commitment to
live together as citizens of the same state.
How is nationalism reinforced?
- Education and the curriculum
o In 2014 English schools have been legally required to promote British values
as a part of the students, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
o The ‘fundamental British values’ comprise beliefs and practice in; democracy,
the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.
o Germany doesn’t talk about WW2 and leave out the concentration camps.
- Sports and culture;
o Olympics, football world cup.
o These can shape a patriotic feeling as if for example Britain wasn’t successful
in the Olympics there would be less nationalism.
o Sporting events can nurture national pride, unity, and loyalty. Even if it’s only
briefly.
- Political parties;
o use of policy to reinforce ‘British values’.
o UKIP party supports the citizenship tests for migrants seeking permanent
residency.
How has British identity changed over time?
- Religious beliefs
- Food
- Identity
- Vocabulary
As we see over time, more people that come to live in the UK identify more with that
culture rather than their ethnic origins. Over 70% of people with Bangladeshi origin identify
with being British in comparison to under 20% of them identifying with their overseas
origin. Even as an example, Mo Farah, a Somali born brought up in London, competed in the
Olympics for GB in 2012 and won gold, identifies with being British rather than Somalian.
Evident in an interview when asked if he would be prouder if he won it for Somalia, stating
“Not at all mate! This is my country.”
With the increase of globalisation and migration the increase of change in British identity is
continuously evident. Even the national dish has changed to chicken tikka masala, 2015,
traditionally an Indian dish which has been adopted by the British due to the influx of
migration that happened after WW2. Its popular among many ethnicities.
