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Research Projects

Identity, Culture and the Challenge of Diversity

Contact Email: r.muir@ippr.org

Introduction

In recent years, issues of integration and identity have moved to the centre of public debate and government concern.  A number of developments have helped in this process, incuding:

  • the decline in many older sources of identity – especially class, religious, and empire-based identities
  • the growth of Scottish, Welsh, English and some regional identities
  • the apparent weakening of identification with major national institutions including parliament and monarchy
  • the increase in ethnic and religious diversity
  • the rise of identity based political extremism (like the BNP and militant Islam)
  • the growth of public concern about immigration
  • the eruption of violent ethnic conflict in the Northern Mill Towns and, more recently, Birmingham. 

On the whole, however, debates about identity have not been marked by their insight or rigour. Discussion about the claims of minority and national cultures and religions quickly descend into caricature, with terms like 'multiculturalism', 'racism' and 'political correctness' been slung around like mud. Arguments are rarely informed by any thought as to basic normative principles that should guide policy in this area, or any understanding of how identities are changing in the UK. And they generally stop short of concrete policy proposals.

Against this background, ippr has ran a year-long project exploring the principles that should guide the way we approach identity issues, map changing patterns of identity within the UK, pinpoint challenges to shared identities, and highlight options for strengthening shared civic identities at both national and local level.  There are many factors that can hold back integration, and undermine ‘community cohesion’ – unemployment, segregated schools, work places and neighbourhoods, unfair treatment by public services – and we sought to understand the role of identity in relation to these.  

Our Research

For more information please contact Rick Muir, r.muir@ippr.org

This project was made possible by the support of the Arts Council, HLF and the National Museum Directors’ Conference.

Publications

One London? Change and cohesion in three London boroughsOne London?
Change and cohesion in three London boroughs

This short paper, commissioned by the Government Office for London, explores the nature of the contemporary challenges to community cohesion in London and sets out how local actors have responded to them.

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The Power of Belonging: Identity, citizenship and community cohesionThe Power of Belonging:
Identity, citizenship and community cohesion

Ben Rogers and Rick Muir

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The Power of Belonging: Identity, citizenship and community cohesionThe Power of Belonging:
Identity, citizenship and community cohesion

Ben Rogers and Rick Muir

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The New Identity Politics 2007The New Identity Politics 2007

Longstanding concerns about the effects of globalisation have played a part in brining issues of identity and belonging to the centre of public debate. A more mobile world has led some to fear that older forms of solidarity and identity are being weakened while all too familiar tensions and hostilities have gained a new lease of life. Many politicians hope to marry the opportunities of globalisation with the benefits of a shared sense of belonging and solidarity. This working paper aims to map the broad parameters of this debate.

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The New Identity Politics 2007The New Identity Politics 2007

Longstanding concerns about the effects of globalisation have played a part in brining issues of identity and belonging to the centre of public debate. A more mobile world has led some to fear that older forms of solidarity and identity are being weakened while all too familiar tensions and hostilities have gained a new lease of life. Many politicians hope to marry the opportunities of globalisation with the benefits of a shared sense of belonging and solidarity. This working paper aims to map the broad parameters of this debate.

view publication

Who Are We? Identities in Britain, 2007Who Are We?
Identities in Britain, 2007

Over the last few decades, issues of identity and cohesion have moved to the centre of public debate and government concern. ippr is exploring how and why identity matters to public policy and what policymakers can do to encourage shared identities. This paper draws on a wide range of mainly quantitative research to explore how people in Britain think about themselves and their relations to others – their identity.

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Who Are We? Identities in Britain, 2007Who Are We?
Identities in Britain, 2007

Over the last few decades, issues of identity and cohesion have moved to the centre of public debate and government concern. ippr is exploring how and why identity matters to public policy and what policymakers can do to encourage shared identities. This paper draws on a wide range of mainly quantitative research to explore how people in Britain think about themselves and their relations to others – their identity.

view publication