British National Identity and the Dilemma of Multiculturalism in the 21st Century

Abstract

This dissertation examines the current situation of national identity in Britain in relation to the so-called multicultural Britain in the 21st Century where the government had implemented altered policies than the ones taken in the early years. It aims to provide some possible answers to the controversial question “to what extent is multiculturalism in Britain successful?” The present work highlights the different policies and methods that the government took to cope with immigration and integrating immigrants in the purpose of creating the atmosphere of a well-being and a well- living through national identity. The dissertation also examines the history of immigration to Britain during the 20th and the 21st Century and the immigrants’ conditions, with regard to the government politics to manage with multiculturalism with a particular emphasis on the 21st Century. The findings demonstrate that governance framework transformed accordingly as a reaction to the politics of multiculturalism. British governments may have adopted multicultural standards; yet, its conception and application remain awkward for local government and many state departments. The rise of multiculturalism causes a more fractured Britain whose disintegration raises fears over religious aggressiveness and worries over internal terrorism. Neo-multicultural is model that challenges conformist notions of diversity and difference. In addition, this dissertation also aims to highlight the complexities and the challenges of multiculturalism in the sense of fostering cohesive national identity in a multicultural society predicting about the future of multiculturalism and British national identity. Certainly, matters of culture and identity are connected to economic criteria and public response to immigration and refugees. To the question: “what does it mean to be British in multicultural Britain?” multiculturalism remains an issue of intense debate and controversy.