In the early 1990s, Modood and colleagues carried out an important study exploring the ways people from ethnic minority backgrounds in Britain understood their identity and their place in society. This research focused on how cultural practices, religion, family life, experiences of racism, and generational differences shaped the way people viewed themselves.

Methodology

The researchers conducted a large-scale survey of around 5,000 participants from various ethnic groups across the UK. The survey included questions about racism, cultural traditions, religion, and self-identification. In addition to this quantitative data, the team also carried out in-depth interviews with smaller groups from each ethnic background to explore people’s views in more detail. This mixed-methods approach gave a broad and nuanced picture of ethnic identity in Britain.

Key Findings

Multiple Identities

One of the central findings was that many participants, especially younger people, held dual or multiple identities. For example, a British-born Indian person might describe themselves as both “British” and “Indian.” This highlights that identity is not fixed but can be a blend of heritage and everyday life in Britain.

“Minority ethnicity is neither simply a racist attribution nor a set of private practices but, symbolically and materially, has become a feature of British society with all that implies for public identities, political solidarities and competition for resources.”
— Modood, Beishon & Virdee, Changing Ethnic Identities, p. 115

Religion and Identity

Religion played a particularly significant role in the identities of South Asian groups. For instance, Muslims from Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds saw Islam as a vital part of who they were, while Hindus and Sikhs also attached strong importance to their faith. Religion often acted as a marker of difference but also as a source of pride and belonging.

“Religion often acted as a marker of difference but also as a source of pride and belonging.”
— Modood, Beishon & Virdee, Changing Ethnic Identities

Experiences of Racism

A large number of participants reported experiencing racism or social exclusion because of their ethnicity. Interestingly, this discrimination sometimes strengthened ethnic identity. For example, feeling excluded from wider British society often made individuals more attached to their cultural or religious community as a way of coping or resisting.

Generational Differences

The study found clear differences between generations. Older generations often held firmly to traditional cultural practices, while younger people born in the UK were more likely to combine their ethnic heritage with aspects of British culture. This produced new, hybrid forms of identity that were different from either their parents’ or the white majority culture.

Cultural Practices

While some aspects of identity such as food, clothing, and language were retained across generations, they were also adapted. For example, many South Asian families continued speaking their native languages at home, but younger members often switched to English in public or with friends.

Social Class and Identity

The research also revealed that social class influenced ethnic identity. Middle-class ethnic minority members often felt more integrated into British society, while working-class members tended to experience more discrimination. This meant their connection to their ethnic group remained stronger.

Conclusion

Modood et al.’s study demonstrates that ethnic identity in Britain is complex, changing, and shaped by many factors, including religion, racism, generation, and class. Far from being fixed, identities are fluid and can involve a mix of heritage and British culture. This challenges simplistic views of ethnicity and shows how people create flexible and hybrid identities in a multicultural society.

Reference: Modood, T., Beishon, S., & Virdee, S. (1994). Changing Ethnic Identities. Policy Studies Institute.

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