Contemporary British Culture Contemporary British Culture and Societyand Society

Chapter 1 IntroductionChapter 1 IntroductionAutumn Semester, Sept. 2004Autumn Semester, Sept. 2004

Xiao HuiyunXiao Huiyun

ObjectivesObjectives

•In this chapter we will look at In this chapter we will look at some general features of some general features of Britain and set the scene for Britain and set the scene for the more detailed examination the more detailed examination of particular aspects of life of particular aspects of life there which are dealt with in there which are dealt with in later chapterslater chapters

Focal Questions Focal Questions

• What is the full name of the British state? What is the full name of the British state? What countries does it consist of?What countries does it consist of?

• What is the total population of the United What is the total population of the United Kingdom? Where do most people live?Kingdom? Where do most people live?

• Do you think that most of the ethnic Do you think that most of the ethnic minorities in Britain have different age minorities in Britain have different age structures from that of the white population? structures from that of the white population? Why?Why?

• What do you think are the most important What do you think are the most important factors in determining class?factors in determining class?

• How do you understand the status of women How do you understand the status of women in contemporary Britain?in contemporary Britain?

• What are some of the key changes over the What are some of the key changes over the last fifty years in the UK?last fifty years in the UK?

ProceduresProcedures

•Presentation by Students – Focal Presentation by Students – Focal questions 3 & 4questions 3 & 4

•Lectures by the teacherLectures by the teacher

•Class discussion – Exploitation Class discussion – Exploitation Activities (p.11)Activities (p.11)

•Assignment for the next chapterAssignment for the next chapter

A1 GeographyA1 Geography• The The British IslesBritish Isles is a traditional term is a traditional term

used to identify the group of islands off used to identify the group of islands off the northwest coast of Europe consisting the northwest coast of Europe consisting of of Great BritainGreat Britain, , IrelandIreland and the many and the many smaller adjacent islands (over 16). These smaller adjacent islands (over 16). These islands form an islands form an archipelagoarchipelago off the west off the west coast of Europe, 315,134 km2 (121,674 coast of Europe, 315,134 km2 (121,674 square miles).square miles).

• To many To many IrishIrish people as well as people as well as ScottishScottish and and WelshWelsh nationalists, the term "British nationalists, the term "British Isles" is unacceptable.Isles" is unacceptable.

A1 Geography A1 Geography continuedcontinued• The term is no longer used in Irish state documents, The term is no longer used in Irish state documents,

has been abandoned from Irish schoolbooks and is has been abandoned from Irish schoolbooks and is being phased out of textbooks. Its usage is also being phased out of textbooks. Its usage is also decreasing in decreasing in official British state documentationofficial British state documentation, , out of sensitivity to the concerns of Irish, Scottish and out of sensitivity to the concerns of Irish, Scottish and Welsh people and the Welsh people and the evolvingevolving new geo-political new geo-political relationships. relationships.

• Alternatives Alternatives However the issue of a replacement However the issue of a replacement term remains unsettled as of term remains unsettled as of 20032003, though in the , though in the context of the Northern Ireland peace process the context of the Northern Ireland peace process the term "term "Islands of the North AtlanticIslands of the North Atlantic" (IONA), a term " (IONA), a term initially created by former initially created by former Conservative PartyConservative Party MP Sir MP Sir John Biggs-DavisonJohn Biggs-Davison, has been used as a neutral term , has been used as a neutral term to describe these islands .to describe these islands .

A1 Geography continuedA1 Geography continued IONA ?– The British Isles IONA ?– The British Isles

A 1 Geography cont. *n.a.A 1 Geography cont. *n.a.

• National Flag The United Kingdom National Flag The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Irelandof Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Chief of the State -- Queen Chief of the State -- Queen

Elizabeth IIElizabeth II

ENGLANDENGLAND

• Demographics:Demographics:• Population: 51 MillionPopulation: 51 Million• Language: EnglishLanguage: English• People: Anglo-Saxons, Scots, Welsh, Irish, People: Anglo-Saxons, Scots, Welsh, Irish,

West Indians, Pakistanis, Indians, ChineseWest Indians, Pakistanis, Indians, Chinese• Religion: Church of England, Methodist, Religion: Church of England, Methodist,

Baptist, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, and SikhBaptist, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh• Capital City: LondonCapital City: London

ENGLAND cont.ENGLAND cont.

• Culture:Culture:– They have artistic contributions in theatre , liThey have artistic contributions in theatre , li

terature, and architecture.terature, and architecture.– Staple food: Fish and Chips, bacon, eggs, sauStaple food: Fish and Chips, bacon, eggs, sau

sage, and mash.sage, and mash.– It’s not famous for quality but it’s a cuisinIt’s not famous for quality but it’s a cuisin

e. e. – There are astonishing regional variations in aThere are astonishing regional variations in a

ccents.ccents.

St. James Park, LondonSt. James Park, London

England contEngland cont

• Windsor Castle Leeds CastleWindsor Castle Leeds Castle

Fish and ChipsFish and Chips

• English staple foodEnglish staple food

WALESWALES

• Demographics:Demographics:– Population: 2.9 MillionPopulation: 2.9 Million– Capital city: Cardiff Capital city: Cardiff – People: Celts, Anglo-Saxons People: Celts, Anglo-Saxons – Language: Welsh, English Language: Welsh, English – Religion: Nonconformist Protestants, Religion: Nonconformist Protestants,

Anglicans, CatholicsAnglicans, Catholics

WALES cont.WALES cont.

• Culture:Culture:– One thing that marks Wales out from the resOne thing that marks Wales out from the res

t of the Britain is the survival of Welsh as a lit of the Britain is the survival of Welsh as a living language. ving language.

– Welsh food is not well-known. They eat laveWelsh food is not well-known. They eat laverbread (a mixture of seaweed, oatmeal and rbread (a mixture of seaweed, oatmeal and bacon served on toast), Rarebit (cheese on tbacon served on toast), Rarebit (cheese on toast with the added flavor of mustard and boast with the added flavor of mustard and beer).eer).

Caerphilly Castle, South WalesCaerphilly Castle, South Wales

Beaumaris Castle, N. WalesBeaumaris Castle, N. Wales

NORTHERN IRELANDNORTHERN IRELAND

• Demographics:Demographics:– Population: 1.6 MillionPopulation: 1.6 Million– Capital city: Belfast Capital city: Belfast – People: IrishPeople: Irish– Language: English, and IrishLanguage: English, and Irish– Religion: 95% Roman Catholic, 3.4% Religion: 95% Roman Catholic, 3.4%

Protestant in the Republic; 60% Protestant in the Republic; 60% Protestant, 40% Roman Catholic in Protestant, 40% Roman Catholic in Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland

NORTHERN IRELAND NORTHERN IRELAND cont.cont.

• Culture:Culture:– Perform a dance known as the “jig” which Perform a dance known as the “jig” which

they do to Irish folk music.they do to Irish folk music.– Very festive people and dance on various ocVery festive people and dance on various oc

casions. casions. – Meals are based around meats like lamb, beMeals are based around meats like lamb, be

ef, and pork.ef, and pork.– Main meal is usually lunch, not dinner.Main meal is usually lunch, not dinner.

Irish Townhouse b&bIrish Townhouse b&b

Irish JigIrish Jig

SCOTLANDSCOTLAND

• Demographics:Demographics:– Population: 5.1 MillionPopulation: 5.1 Million– Capital city: Edinburgh Capital city: Edinburgh – People: Celts, Anglo-SaxonsPeople: Celts, Anglo-Saxons– Language: English, Gaelic Language: English, Gaelic – Religion: Presbyterian Church of Scotland, oReligion: Presbyterian Church of Scotland, o

ther Presbyterian churches, Anglicans, Cathther Presbyterian churches, Anglicans, Catholics olics

SCOTLAND cont.SCOTLAND cont.

• Culture:Culture:– Greatest Scottish accomplishments come in the forGreatest Scottish accomplishments come in the for

m of science, literature, and philosophy.m of science, literature, and philosophy.– Bagpipes are very famous in Scotland.Bagpipes are very famous in Scotland.– Social gathering known as Social gathering known as ceilidhceilidh were very popula were very popula

r in the traditional culture in which folk stories werr in the traditional culture in which folk stories were told.e told.

– Today, stories are substituted for drinking and danToday, stories are substituted for drinking and dancing.cing.

– Scots are known primarily for game dishes like smoScots are known primarily for game dishes like smoked salmon and venisonked salmon and venison

Scottish DanceScottish Dance

Castles of ScotlandCastles of Scotland

A2 PopulationA2 Population 2002 Census2002 Census

UK UK 59,289,19459,289,194

EnglandEngland 51,138,83151,138,831

WalesWales 2,903,085 2,903,085

ScotlandScotland 5,162,011 5,162,011

Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland 1,685,267 1,685,267

A2 Population continuedA2 Population continued Density Density

• UK average 243/km2UK average 243/km2

• England 376/km2England 376/km2

• Scotland 65/km2Scotland 65/km2

• Wales 141/km2Wales 141/km2

• N. Ireland 122/km2N. Ireland 122/km2

• France France 106/km2106/km2

• US 27/km2 US 27/km2

A 2 Population cont.A 2 Population cont. Ageing Population Ageing Population 1981-2021 64 yrs 14%-23% 1981-2021 64 yrs 14%-23% 黄线黄线

0

5

10

15

20

25

A 3 Ethnic GroupsA 3 Ethnic Groups

• British society is seen as multicultural but not racBritish society is seen as multicultural but not racially tolerant. It is also seen as divided by class anially tolerant. It is also seen as divided by class and unwelcoming to foreigners d unwelcoming to foreigners

• Reasons for relatively poor performance of ethnic minority Reasons for relatively poor performance of ethnic minority children: (with the exception of Asian children)children: (with the exception of Asian children)

• Low IQ – e.g. Eysenck has suggested that Low IQ – e.g. Eysenck has suggested that West Indian children have a lower IQ than West Indian children have a lower IQ than others. The Swann report could find no others. The Swann report could find no evidence of this.evidence of this.

• Material deprivation – the majority of ethnic Material deprivation – the majority of ethnic minority groups are working class and their minority groups are working class and their children experience the same material children experience the same material disadvantage of other working class children.disadvantage of other working class children.

A 3 Ethnic Groups A 3 Ethnic Groups cont.cont.• Hidden curriculum – culturally and Hidden curriculum – culturally and

linguistically biased against ethnic minority linguistically biased against ethnic minority groups.groups.

• Labelling – teachers tend to stereotype ethnic Labelling – teachers tend to stereotype ethnic minority students and attach negative labels minority students and attach negative labels which become self fulfilling prophecies.which become self fulfilling prophecies.

• Racism – racism in wider society diminishes Racism – racism in wider society diminishes self esteem. The school can be seen as self esteem. The school can be seen as representative of the Dominant culture and is representative of the Dominant culture and is therefore rejected.therefore rejected.

A 3 Ethnic Groups cont.A 3 Ethnic Groups cont.

• The Chinese in BritainThe Chinese in Britain

• Estimated number: 250,000 (including Estimated number: 250,000 (including Chinese students and illegal immigrants)Chinese students and illegal immigrants)

• Came from Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Came from Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and mainland China.Vietnam, Hong Kong and mainland China.

• Now mainly live in big cities like London, Now mainly live in big cities like London, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Newcastle Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Newcastle and and

• Glasgow, etc.Glasgow, etc.

A 3 Ethnic Groups cont.A 3 Ethnic Groups cont.

• Jobs: ¾ engage in catering & catering-related busineJobs: ¾ engage in catering & catering-related business. Compared with other coloured minorities, they sufss. Compared with other coloured minorities, they suffer less discrimination. Law-abiding, business does nofer less discrimination. Law-abiding, business does not conflict with the local British, seldom ask for financiat conflict with the local British, seldom ask for financial assistance.l assistance.

• Problems among the 2nd-generation Chinese (most of Problems among the 2nd-generation Chinese (most of them professionals):them professionals):

• They have to struggle for a future. Many cannot find joThey have to struggle for a future. Many cannot find jobs after finishing education in Britain.bs after finishing education in Britain.

• They face an identity crisis.They face an identity crisis.• The Chinese start to participate in political affairs. TheThe Chinese start to participate in political affairs. The

re are Chinese Councilors in London, Manchester, Livere are Chinese Councilors in London, Manchester, Liverpool, etc. Some have joined Cons. or Labor Parties.rpool, etc. Some have joined Cons. or Labor Parties.

http://www.pbase.com/scooter41/london

A 4 ClassA 4 Class

• The United Kingdom is increasingly described The United Kingdom is increasingly described as a classless society. *Major(1990) as a classless society. *Major(1990) *Blair(1999)*Blair(1999)

• However many people still believe society is However many people still believe society is ordered in terms of class and that ordered in terms of class and that discrimination occurs between classes.discrimination occurs between classes.

• Everything a Briton does and says is Everything a Briton does and says is influenced by class.influenced by class.

• Accent*, vocabulary*, job*, hobbies* and types Accent*, vocabulary*, job*, hobbies* and types of relationship all fit into the class structure.of relationship all fit into the class structure.

A 4 Class cont.A 4 Class cont.

• Social Classification for 21st CenturySocial Classification for 21st Century• 1 A Large employers & higher 1 A Large employers & higher

managerial occupations 9% managerial occupations 9%• 1 B Higher professional occu. 12%1 B Higher professional occu. 12%• 2 Lower professional occu. 17%2 Lower professional occu. 17%• 3 Intermediate occupations 14%3 Intermediate occupations 14%• 4 Small employers & own account 4 Small employers & own account

workers 9% workers 9%

A 4 Class cont.A 4 Class cont.• 5 Lower supervisors & craft & related 5 Lower supervisors & craft & related

occupations 10%occupations 10%• 6 Semi-routine occu. 21%6 Semi-routine occu. 21%• 7 Routine occu 8%7 Routine occu 8%• Only Only 25%25% of Britons now consider themselves workin of Britons now consider themselves workin

g class compared with g class compared with 51%51% in in 1955 (1CM/Guardian), 1955 (1CM/Guardian), wwhile hile 35%35% see themselves as middle class, up from see themselves as middle class, up from 2828%% in 1986 in 1986 (Mail on Sunday). (Mail on Sunday). But But 85%85% still think Britain still think Britain is a class-based society, with is a class-based society, with 69%69% believing that top jo believing that top jobs are only available to the privileged few bs are only available to the privileged few (NOP/Sund(NOP/Sunday Express). ay Express). And many of them don't even think of theAnd many of them don't even think of themselves as British. mselves as British.

A 5 50 Years of Change A 5 50 Years of Change • The 1950s – a time of great changes in The 1950s – a time of great changes in

fields of economy, culture, politics. fields of economy, culture, politics.

• The 1960s – a decade of young rebellious The 1960s – a decade of young rebellious young generation young generation

• The 1970s – a decade of strikes and The 1970s – a decade of strikes and recessionrecession

• The 1980s – a decade of ThatcherismThe 1980s – a decade of Thatcherism

• The 1990s – a decade of great expectation The 1990s – a decade of great expectation

A 5. The DevolutionA 5. The Devolution

A 5 Devolution cont.A 5 Devolution cont.

• Britishness ? Britishness ? • 17%17% of English people say they owe allegianc of English people say they owe allegianc

e to England, not Britain e to England, not Britain (British Social Attitu(British Social Attitudes/Guardian); des/Guardian); 66%66% of teenagers in England r of teenagers in England regard themselves as English not British. In Wegard themselves as English not British. In Wales, ales, 79%79% see themselves as Welsh, and in Sc see themselves as Welsh, and in Scotland, otland, 82%82% as Scottish as Scottish (Sunday Times).(Sunday Times).

ReferencesReferences

• British Studies Web PagesBritish Studies Web Pages• Dalton, A. ‘Apparent’ Paradoxes in BriDalton, A. ‘Apparent’ Paradoxes in Bri

tish tish Culture & its LiteratureCulture & its Literature• http//www. Woodlands-junior. Kent. Schttp//www. Woodlands-junior. Kent. Sc

h/uk. htmlh/uk. html• http//huaren.org/diaspora/europe/britahttp//huaren.org/diaspora/europe/brita

in/doc/0395-01.htmlin/doc/0395-01.html