Cohen, Robin, 1944-. (1995) Fuzzy frontiers of identity : the British case. Social Identities, Vol.1 (No.1). pp. 35-62. ISSN 1350-4630

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Abstract

The author examines the formation of British identity, looking at the interaction of ‘the British’ with the Celtic fringe, the Dominions, the Commonwealth, Anglophone America, Europe and peoples described in immigration law as ‘aliens’. He argues that the core identity is constructed in the course of interactions (sometimes hostile) with these externalized identities. The frontiers between identities are often ‘fuzzy’, allowing a degree of penetration by outsiders. The concept of ‘fuzziness’ is elaborated. The shape and edges of British identity are shown to be historically changing, often vague and to a degree, malleable. It is suggested that the move away from the Dominions and Commonwealth to Europe has contributed to a crisis of national identity.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	National characteristics, British -- History, Group identity -- Great Britain
Journal or Publication Title:	Social Identities
Publisher:	Routledge
ISSN:	1350-4630
Date:	1995
Volume:	Vol.1
Number:	No.1
Page Range:	pp. 35-62
Identification Number:	10.1080/13504630.1995.9959425
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Version or Related Resource:	Cohen, R. (2001). Fuzzy frontiers of identity: the British case. In: Goulbourne, H., ed. Race and ethnicity: critical concepts in sociology. Routledge, London, pp. 35-62. ISBN 0415225019
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/36543

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