Young Asians do not have language difficulties. This means that, as more Asian children grow up in Britain, there will be more chance to create friendships across ethnic boundaries, at least in theory. However, both Asian parents and young people still face hostility and sometimes discrimination from some sections of the white population, which discourages inter-ethnic friendships. There is a strong tendency to see South Asians in Britain but not as part of Britain.
The representation of Asians in Britain continues to be refracted through a prism, which is unable to come to terms with the postcolonial nature of the South Asian presence. South Asian culture continues to be regarded as static, traditional or antimodern, patriarchal and authoritarian. This is in contrast to British/Western culture. Here, the most important obstacle is the idea of Western culture and values as being the norm and criterion in relation to which other cultures have to be positioned.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Chapter One
2.1. Historical Background of British Asians
2.1.1. 1.1. The Colonial Period
2.1.2. 1.2. Asians in Britain - From Nineteen-Century England towards World Wars
2.1.3. 1.3. British Attitudes Towards the Earliest and Modern Immigrant Community
3. Chapter Two
3.1. Modern Asians in Britain
3.1.1. 2.1. Life of Modern Asians in Britain
3.1.2. 2.2. Asians and their Religions
3.1.3. 2.3. Traditional Asian Clothing
3.1.4. 2.4. Asian Cuisine
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper serves as a practical introduction to the historical and social experiences of the South Asian diaspora in Britain, exploring the transition from the colonial era to contemporary life. The study aims to uncover the historical background, social challenges, and cultural interactions that have shaped the identity of British Asians while examining the impact of their presence on British society.
- Historical evolution of Asian migration to Britain since the colonial period.
- Social and cultural challenges faced by South Asian communities in a host society.
- The influence of religion and religious pluralism on Asian identity in Britain.
- The role of traditional clothing and fashion as markers of identity and adaptation.
- Culinary integration and the evolution of "foodie" culture in British society.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. The Colonial Period
Migration to Britain is not a new phenomenon. For a long time, the country was receiving and absorbing a large number of people from other countries while many Britons have gone abroad to colonies as administrators, soldiers, businessmen and missionaries. Those who came to Britain in early and more recent periods were mainly white people, for example after World War II, about 460,000 foreigners entered Britain1. Sadly, these immigrants met with considerable hostility from British labor. However, over a period of time, all these white workers, were absorbed into the market and more workers were needed in some sectors of the industry. This gap was filled by workers from the New Commonwealth.
Since under the Commonwealth rules they had free entry into Britain they were initially welcomed by the British people as allies. The process of mass migration of non-white workers started slowly, but, during the 1950s, the number of immigrants from the West Indies increased and in 1956 some concern was expressed about the number of ‘colored’ immigrants.2 As the pressure for immigration control grew, more and more Asians migrated to Britain to manage the impending ban. In the beginning, the migration was disorganized but later on, it resulted in so-called chain migration where friends and relatives were encouraged and helped by the first migrants to follow them.
Dilip Hiro, the author of Black British, White British claims that towards 1970’s and with gradual changes both in policy and mentality of the Britons, the term ‘immigrant’ and ‘coloured’ became interchangeable.3 Nevertheless, for the common citizen of United Kingdom the difference between West Indians and Asians was unimportant and none of them tried to do so.
This aim of the following part of the chapter is to discuss the earliest – historically proved migrations of Asians to Britain. It also will show these people’s problems and finally will present British government’s response to the needs of new ‘color’ citizens.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the historical context of South Asian migration to Britain, defining the demographic and social scope of the study.
Chapter One: Examines the long-standing history of South Asian migration, starting from the East India Company era through the post-World War II period, with a focus on early labor, servants, and Lascars.
Chapter Two: Investigates the contemporary life of Asians in Britain, focusing on community networks, religious practices, traditional fashion, and the integration of Asian cuisine into British culture.
Keywords
British Asians, South Asia, Migration history, Colonial period, Diaspora, Ethnic minorities, Multiculturalism, Religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, Traditional clothing, Asian cuisine, Cultural identity, Integration, Social challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this publication?
The work provides a comprehensive overview of the history, development, and social presence of South Asian communities in Britain from the colonial era to the present day.
Which thematic fields are central to the analysis?
The central fields include migration history, the evolution of social identities, religious pluralism, cultural expressions through fashion, and the integration of culinary practices within the British landscape.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary aim is to offer a stimulating, practical introduction to the field of ethnic variation in England, encouraging further examination of the postcolonial legacy of South Asians in Britain.
Which scientific methodology does the author employ?
The author synthesizes historical government documentation, sociological studies, journalistic resources, and online academic databases to analyze the changing conditions of Asian life in Britain.
What does the main part of the work cover?
The main part is divided into two chapters: the first details the historical roots and the colonial-to-post-war transition of migration, while the second focuses on modern life, including social customs, religious adaptation, fashion, and food culture.
How can the work be characterized by its keywords?
The work is characterized by themes of identity, diaspora, cultural integration, postcolonial relations, and the visible influence of South Asian traditions on modern British society.
How is the "Lascar" experience significant in Chapter One?
The experience of Lascars highlights the harsh, often inhumane conditions faced by early South Asian seamen in Britain, illustrating the struggles and low social status that existed long before the mass migrations of the 1950s.
What role does the "cricket test" play in understanding modern identity?
The "cricket test" mentioned in the book symbolizes the political and social pressures placed on South Asian minorities to prove their loyalty to Britain, highlighting the ongoing tensions regarding belonging and cultural assimilation.
How is the concept of "chain migration" explained in the book?
Chain migration is described as a phenomenon where early migrants facilitated the arrival of their kin and friends through sponsorship, which played a crucial role in the development of institutional and community networks within Britain.
- Quote paper
- MA Marta Zapała-Kraj (Author), 2014, British Asians. The diaspora’s relationship with their new homeland, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/288332
