|This centre is a member of The LSE Research Laboratory [RLAB]: CASE | CEE | CEP | SERC | STICERD||Cookies?|
Paper No' CEPDP0944: | Full paper
Save Reference as: BibTeX File | EndNote Import File
Keywords: Identity; Multiculturalism
JEL Classification: D71; Z13
Is hard copy/paper copy available? YES - Paper Copy Still In Print.
This Paper is published under the following series: CEP Discussion Papers
Share this page: Google Bookmarks | Facebook | Twitter
Abstract:There is a lot of evidence that identity matters for behavior. There is a widespread belief that societies will function better if they manage to establish a common sense of identity among the population. And there are also contemporary fears that this common identity is threatened in several countries. In this paper we investigate the correlates of various measures of identity in the UK, a country currently greatly concerned about a perceived failure to build a common identity from a collection of diverse cultures. We find that the alleged failure to establish a British identity among ethnic minorities is exaggerated – for most their ethnicity and religion seem no barrier to a British identity. But there is a segment of the white population that clearly feels neglected and alienated, and are hostile to the multicultural agenda.
Copyright © RLAB & LSE 2003 - 2014 | LSE, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE | Contact: RLAB | Site updated 03 September 2014