How do we support the idea of being British in our society through education?
The curriculum areas covering history and citizenship play an important cultural and political role in building national identities. It performs the function of passing on important national stories to the next generation. It educates people about their legal and human rights and about their responsibilities as a citizen of the state.
National flags can be found in classrooms around the world. Some countries such as the USA strongly encourage students to salute the national flag every day and even sing the national anthem. National flags also dominate during times of national celebration – at an international sporting event at the Olympics.
Since 2014, English schools have been legally required to promote British values as part of students ‘spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Fundamental British values compromise beliefs and practices in the:
- Democracy
- Rule of law
- Individual liberty
How do we support the idea of being British in our society through sport and culture?
If you live in Britain, you may find yourself supporting different national teams in different sports. In recent years we have seen a rise in people dressing up or painting their faces for supporting events as people want to display their national identity visibility.
At the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics games, team GB athletes won more medals than London in 2012. Olympic successful athletes from many nations wrap themselves and their national flags, singing the national anthems and boosting their Nations’ rankings in the medal table. The Olympics are an opportunity to indulge in nationalism – a patriotic feeling. International sporting events can nurture national pride, unity and loyalty – even if only briefly – And the effect is often strongest for the house nation. For example, Beijing’s 2008 games allowed the Chinese to show themselves as a modern power on the world stage.
How do we support the idea of being British in our society through political parties?
Governments of past and present have attempted to use policy to reinforce what is now called ‘British values’. The recruitment of some young British Muslims to the terrorist group IS has been blamed on the state’s failure to promote so-called British values.
- UK politicians like to speak about British values but how do you define values that vary between people and also evolve over time?
- Values are rooted in the institutions in history that underpin the nation. The following values identified by British the Daily Telegraph, the traditionalist newspaper:
- The rule of law – the same rules that everybody has.
- Parliament, the monarch and the Supreme Court constitute supreme. authority.
- Personal freedoms.
- Freedom of speech.
- British history and culture.
- A love of sport and fair play.
- Patriotism.
How has British identity changed overtime?
- Sadiq Kahn is the first mayor from an ethnic minority group.
- In 2016 44% of London’s population was made up of black people and other ethnic minority groups of people.
- The 2011 census revealed that ethnic minorities often identified more closely with Britishness than white British people
- The vision of the London Mayor was a city for all Londoners.
How have English religious beliefs changed over time?
- In the early 20th century, religion was generally widespread with high levels of Anglican or Catholic Church Attendance.
- In the 21st century it is largely secular and non-religious. Although some minority faith groups are prospering.
How has English food changed over time?
- In the early 20th century, it was locally sourced seasonal food with native eras preferred to foreign spices.
- In the 21st century there are globally varied tastes in foods. Strong spices are widely used in cooking.
How has English identity changed over time?
- In the early 20th century people had a strong sense of identity, regional dialects were stronger than today and most people were patriotic and would fight for their country.
- Today many people would be less likely to fight for their country although they are often strong supporters of national sports teams. Younger people see themselves as global citizens.
How have the roots of vocabulary in England changed over time?
- There used to be Celtic, Saxon, Scandinavian, roman, Greek and french influences.
- Today there are additional Indian, Jamaican and American influences duet migration and TV.
Where is the greatest concentration of people who identify as just British?
London
What is cultural cohesion?
The capacity of different national and ethnic groups to make a mutual commitment to live together as citizens of the same state.
What is nationalism?
A political movement focussed on national independence of the abandonment of policies that are viewed by some people as a threat to national sovereignty or culture.
Give details about nationalism on the rise?
- There is concern that sovereignty has been surrendered.
- IGOs such as the EU and UN agencies have more power over law-making in areas ranging from human rights to environmental rules.
- There is a clear correlation between the growing interconnectedness of states and the desire by many citizens to sever ties with other places.
National Identity is an elusive and contested concept:
- Nationalism remains a powerful force; it is reinforced through education, Sport and by political parties stressing loyalty to both institutions and the ideals of nation states.
- Identity and loyalty might be tied to distinctive legal systems, methods of governance, nation ‘character’ or even a landscape (The English Countryside)
- Most countries are multi-national with many contrasting ethnic groups; questions of national identity and loyalty are therefore complex, especially in an era of globalisation.
How has British manufacturing changed?
- For a few decades in the 19th-century British manufacturing goods dominated world trade.
- Today, many classic British products are actually made using parts from around the world
- eg dairy milk is owned by American food TNC Kraft.
By 2025, China will own an estimated 100 billion in UK energy, property and transport investments.
What is cultural imperialism?
The imposition of one culture onto another, or the assumption that one is worth more than another. Soft power - the ability to attract and be cooperative, rather than use force (hard power).
Why is the idea of ‘made in Britain’ a complex issue?
- The UK used to be the 2nd largest global manufacturer and in the 50s exports by car companies were the world’s largest.
- TNCs often are foreign-owned and have suppliers all over the world. This creates complex supply chains which makes the idea of Made in Britain very complex. The decline in the car industry also demonstrates the complexity of the so-called industrial decline in the UK.
Where have the most steel jobs been cut from since autumn 2015?
In previously primary and secondary industry-dominated areas. This was mainly in the North East of England eg in Hartlepool
What were the impacts of the loss of steel jobs on port talbot, South Wales?
- In the UK, TNC Tata owns a steel plant in port talbot. It provides jobs in the area and maintains the historical Welsh association with heavy industry. Their publicity claims they support local health, safety and environmental policies as well as invest in schools.
- In 2015, cheap imported Chinese steel threatened Tata’s profits and they suggested closing the plant. Community futures are vulnerable when globalisation causes TNCs to change track.
What are 2 positive effects of westernisation and Americanisation?
- Film, music and food industries have all thrived by mixing together.
- Local citizens have come to enjoy new customs brought by the spread of western and American culture.
What are two negative effects of westernisation and Americanisation?
- Western cultural influences are resisted by some people in certain places.
- Place identity and physical changes may occur in parts of the world affected by these processes.
What is media plurality?
The ownership of several forms of media by the same company.
What are the advantages of foreign ownership?
+ Foreign takeovers are a natural consequence of free-trade and capitalism – progressive and forward–looking opposed to nationalistic.
+ Global markets encourage mergers and takeovers in companies and gain economies of scale by merging and eliminating competitors.
+ If one country is good at producing innovations and another at commercialising them, it’s only natural that there will be takeovers at the interface between the spaces of the product life.
+ Many British culture and educational institutions have received major support from wealthy foreigners. The British brands of energy from EDF supported the London bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, whilst its parent company supported the rival one from Paris.
What are the disadvantages of foreign ownership?
- Profits flow overseas with a loss of taxation revenue and the multiplier effect of investment profits.
- Research and development take place aboard dumbing down the UK economy leaving lower-value economic activities in the UK.
- takeovers, almost by definition, increase market shares leading to less competition, and increasing prices for consumers.
- Management teams of foreign-owned companies are more likely to be nationals of the country where the company has its HQ.
- With ownership comes control and there is a home country bias.
What is a cultural landscape?
The distinctive character of a geographical place or region that has been shaped over time by a combination of physical and human processes.
