Attitudes – British Identity
and Stereotypes
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CONTENTS
● Stereotypes and change
● English vs. British
● A multicultural society
Stereotypes and Change
- British identity often based on outdated images (e.g. ‘land of
tradition’).
- Public life appears traditional: ceremonies, military parades,
Buckingham Palace.
- Private life is less traditional – fewer folk customs or age-old family
practices.
- English language is practical, not poetic – many idioms lost or rarely
used.
- Many stereotypes (e.g. bowler hats, full English breakfast) are no
longer true.
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English vs British
- Difficult to distinguish 'British' from 'English' culturally.
- Example: queuing is seen as a ‘British’ trait but mostly
English in origin.
- Suspicion of intellectualism: ‘clever’ can have negative
connotations.
- Formal academic titles rarely used except in very formal
contexts.
- Traditional lack of university access for working class –
changing now.
A Multicultural Society
- Migration post-WW2 reshaped British identity.
- Ethnic communities maintain distinct values –
not always fully integrated.
- Multiculturalism in the UK = 'salad bowl', not
'melting pot'.
- Cultural clashes can occur, but diversity enriches
society.
- New British citizens also shape new habits and
values (e.g. corner shops).
Conservatism and Being Different
- British people often attach value to ‘traditional ways’.
- Conservative about social changes, even if they act
differently.
- Example: many oppose metric system, prefer pounds &
miles.
- Drive on the left = strong national identity marker.
- Public nostalgia for ‘good old days’ influences attitudes.
Love of Nature & Countryside
- Countryside seen as peaceful, pure, and
prestigious.
- Villages and rural life idealised (even if
unrealistic).
- National parks and public footpaths widely
used and valued.
- Gardening is a national pastime; promoted
by media and education.
- ‘Going into the country’ is both a right and a
cultural value.
Love of Animals
- High emotional value placed on pets and
wildlife.
- Animal cemeteries, pet hospitals, bird tables,
wildlife charities.
- Foxhunting debate reflects deeper divides in
British society.
- Cruelty to animals = criminal offense
(RSPCA).
- Attitudes reflect mix of emotional
attachment and national identity.
Public-Spiritedness & Volunteering
- Tradition of amateur involvement in civic life.
- Volunteering seen as duty and social glue.
- Examples: charity work, neighborhood watch, unpaid legal help.
● International Charities initiated in Britain: Amnesty International,
Oxfam, Save the Children
● National Charities: The National Trust, RSSPCA (Royal Society for
Prevention Cruelty to Animals)
- Suspicion of ‘professionalism’ still present – ‘talented amateurs’ are
praised.
- Decline in unpaid participation but still highly valued.
Formality vs Informality
- Public roles = very formal (uniforms, titles, behaviour).
- Private life = informal, casual dress and speech.
- Politeness ≠ formality. British people often don’t use ‘please’ or
titles with friends.
- Not being formal = signal of closeness, not disrespect.
- Hospitality often informal – guests treated like family.
Privacy and Reserved Behaviour
- Privacy highly valued – both physical and personal.
- Questions about income, family, or sex are considered
rude.
- British often seen as emotionally reserved.
- Laughter = acceptable emotion; grief, affection often
private.
- Shift in recent years due to media and public events.
