Can our identity change?
● Yes, most people's identity can change; this is because identity is fluid
and not fixed. It can change over time.
● With time, our views, values and beliefs may change because of our
experiences. For example, an individual may not have a religious belief
at a young age, but this may change as they get older.
● Also, as we begin to understand ourselves better, we may self identify
with different things that shape our identity, for example, gender.
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CHAPTER 4
Identity in Britain
An In-Depth Look at British National,
Regional, and Cultural Identities
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Overview
● Identity refers to how people define themselves and how they are perceived by
others.
● In Britain, identity is complex and influenced by factors such as ethnicity, region,
class, and language.
● The chapter explores the multiple ways British people form and express their
identities.
● Unlike in some cultures where family or profession defines identity, British
identity is often linked to nationality, class, and regional heritage.
Ethnic Identity in the UK
● The UK consists of four nations: ……………., ……………, ……………, and …………….
● Each nation has its own ethnic identity, traditions, and historical background.
● Scottish, Welsh, and Irish people living in England may retain strong emotional
and cultural ties to their origins.
● These identities are often maintained through clubs, celebrations, and folk
traditions that differ from mainstream English culture.
Scottish Identity
● Scottish identity includes unique legal, educational, and welfare systems.
● Distinctive symbols include kilts, ................, and Burns Night celebrations.
● Language plays a key role: Scots and Scottish Gaelic are still spoken by some
communities.
● There is a cultural divide between Highland and Lowland Scots, with Gaelic more
common in the .................
● Scottish people often view themselves as culturally and ................ distinct from the
English.
Welsh Identity
● Welsh people share many similarities with the …………… but maintain a strong
connection to the Welsh language.
● About ................ of the Welsh population speaks Welsh as a first language.
● Cultural pride is expressed through music, festivals, and the prominence of
national figures like ................
● Recent political developments include the establishment of a Welsh national
assembly and …………… public signs.
● There are fewer national symbols and heroes compared to Scotland, but
language remains central to Welsh identity.
English Identity
● English identity is often confused with ................ identity, particularly in public life
and sport.
● Historically, English culture dominated the UK, making it harder for the English
to differentiate from 'British'.
● There is a growing awareness of a separate English identity, symbolised by the
cross of St. George and English-specific institutions.
● Public discussions and polls show some English people prefer identifying as
'British', while others emphasize .................
Class and Identity in Britain
● British society has long been stratified into upper, middle, and working classes.
● Class identity is often indicated by accent, vocabulary, dress, and leisure habits.
● The Received Pronunciation (RP) accent is traditionally linked to the upper
class.
● Inverted snobbery is common: some middle-class individuals adopt working-
class behaviors to appear more grounded.
● Class is no longer strictly tied to income; cultural practices now play a bigger
role in determining perceived class.
Gender and Identity
● British gender roles have shifted significantly, particularly since the ………………...
● Traditional roles (e.g. ……………….. caring for children, men as ………………..) are evolving.
● More men participate in domestic work, and women are more present in public
and professional life.
● British women today are often seen drinking socially and engaging in activities
that once were male-dominated.
● The UK scores high ……………….. but retains certain traditional expectations in
appearance and behavior.
Ethnic Minorities in Britain
● Large populations of Black Caribbeans and ……………………….. have shaped modern
British identity.
● ……………….. retain cultural pride through music (e.g. reggae, calypso), food, and
festivals like Notting Hill Carnival.
● South Asians in Britain (……………………..) maintain languages and religions while also
developing hybrid identities.
● Some young British Asians struggle with ……………… identities due to family
expectations and societal pressures.
● Islam, …………………, and Sikhism influence cultural identity more than nationality for
many Asian Britons.
Regional Identity in England
● Regional pride is strong in cities like ………………………..
● People from the ……………………….. often see themselves as distinct from 'southerners'.
● Stereotypes portray northerners as more honest and ……………………….., while
southerners are seen as ……………………….. but cold.
● Accent is a strong marker of regional identity, e.g., ……………………….. from East
London.
● City and county loyalties are reinforced through sport, language, and local
traditions.
Family and Identity
● Family plays a smaller role in British identity compared to other cultures.
● Extended families are rare, and family events like weddings or funerals involve
only close relatives.
● The nuclear family is the most common household structure.
● Young people tend to leave the family home earlier in the UK than in other
European countries.
● There is less emphasis on lifelong family roles (e.g. godparents), reflecting a more
individualistic culture.
