Negotiating Everyday Multiculturalism

Abstract

The previous chapter detailed the survey findings relating to how young White British people conceive of multiculturalism. It demonstrated that the vast majority of young people regard England’s multicultural population as being positive for a number of reasons. The survey sample identified that multiculturalism has led to a greater variety in food, music, fashion and art; to increased opportunities to meet people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds; and to people being more understanding, accepting and open-minded. This finding is not exactly surprising given that attitudinal-based research has highlighted that in comparison to older generations young people are often more accepting of plurality (Hoerder et al. 2005; Harris 2013). However, the previous chapter also highlighted that nearly a quarter of young White British people did not interpret multiculturalism as being positive for England. Analysis from this sample of survey respondents revealed that perceptions of multiculturalism were shaped by fear, concern and frustration towards specific minority ethnic and faith communities, including ‘immigrants’ and ‘Muslims’, as well as at the perceived negative impact that diversity was having upon England’s national identity and culture. This study aimed to not only uncover the often ‘hidden’ tension and hostility that pervades everyday life for young people but to understand it. The last chapter drew upon the time spent with the subgroup to try to explain where their feelings of resentment towards multiculturalism and ‘difference’ came from. The prejudiced views held by the group members appeared to be fuelled, and continually exacerbated, by their individual circumstances and the social, cultural and geographical context in which they lived. Their unwillingness to accept their multicultural surroundings must be analysed against the backdrop of their inability to form a stable adult identity, their feelings of failure and isolation, and their desire to belong.