Complex Identities
Geography: Edexcel A Level, topic 11.5.2
National Identity - Complexity
Most national identities are becoming more complex and diverse as a result of globalisation, migration and international mass media.
Multi-cultural societies
- Most countries are multi-cultural with many contrasting ethnicities e.g. the ethnic mix in London.
- The 2011 census found that 36.7% of London's population was born in a foreign country. 24.5% were born outside of Europe.
Mixed loyalties
- Questions about whether people can be tied or loyal to more than one country are interesting ones to debate.
- People may have been born in one nation, live in another nation, have friends from other nations and may have cultural heritage from a completely different part of the world.
- Many individuals with Indian cultural heritage support the Indian cricket team vs England, even though they were born in England. However, they may also support the England football team.
- Globalisation has brought complexities like these to the surface.
Cuisine, language and religion
- Changes in a nation's preferences in food and a more varied cuisine and vocabulary has changed lots of people's perceptions of national identity.
Test yourself on Complex Identities
In 2011, what percentage of London's population was born outside of Europe?
In 2011, what percentage of London's population was born in another country?