Citizen, State, and Society in Britain

Citizen, State, and Society

Homogeneity and Diversity in Britain

  • Britain is largely a homogeneous culture.
    • English is spoken by nearly all citizens.
    • Ethnic minorities comprise only about 5% of the population (approximately 60 million).
  • Social cleavages are primarily based on:
    • Multi-national identities
    • Social class distinctions
    • The Protestant/Catholic split in Northern Ireland
  • Emerging tensions:
    • Some critics note new tensions related to Muslim minorities.
    • Evidenced by race riots in May 2001 in Oldham, and similar disturbances in Burnley, Leeds, and Bradford.

Multi-National Identities

  • The United Kingdom evolved from four nations: England, Wales, Scotland, and part of Ireland.
  • England:
    • Occupies the southern 2/3 of the island.
    • Did not rule other lands until the 16th century.
  • 18th Century: England ruled the entire island which then became known as "Great Britain."
  • Early 20th Century: Northern Ireland was added, creating the "United Kingdom."
  • These old kingdoms maintain strong national identities that impact the British political system.
England
  • Largest region of Great Britain; contains the majority of the population.
  • Historically, the English have dominated other nationalities.
  • Still hold a disproportionate share of political power.
  • Challenge: Integrating nationalities while preserving their identities.
Wales
  • Located west of England.
  • Became subject to the English king in the 16th century.
  • Modern Welsh pride:
    • Reflected in their flag (Plaid Cymru).
    • Welsh language is still alive and taught in some schools.
  • Some resentment remains due to feeling exploited by richer neighbors.
Scotland
  • Resisted British rule for many years.
  • Existed as a separate country until the early 1600s.
  • Joined with England through intermarriage of royalty (not conquest).
  • Queen Elizabeth I died without an heir in 1603.
  • The English throne went to her nephew James I, who was also king of Scotland.
  • A century later, both countries agreed to a single Parliament in London.
  • Scots maintain a strong national identity and see themselves as different from the English.
  • They have their own national flag.
  • The Scottish Parliament has recently been revived.
Northern Ireland
  • England and Ireland have a long history of religious disputes.
  • Oliver Cromwell tried to impose Protestantism on Catholic Ireland in the mid-17th century.
  • English claims to Irish lands were settled after World War I.
  • Ireland was granted home rule, except for the northeast corner.
  • In the northeast, Protestants outnumbered Catholics by approximately 60% to 40%.
  • Home rule resulted from pressure from the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
  • The IRA used guerrilla warfare tactics to achieve Irish independence.
  • In 1949, the bulk of Ireland became totally independent.