In recent years, reports on cultural conflicts have been a regular part of the daily news. The press and media coverage varies from big news stories, such as the so-called War on Terror or the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, to more domestic incidents such as racially motivated crimes in various European countries. Some scholars, such as Samuel P. Huntington, hold deeply ingrained cultural differences responsible for those conflicts. With the rise of global phenomena (i.e. demographic shifts, asylum seekers, emigration throughout Europe) ethno-nationalism and nationalism are also on the rise. Taking a closer look at Britain, being a former colonial power and a nation characterized by a high immigrant population, exemplifies the different attitudes towards multiculturalism across society. By promoting a sense of “Britishness”, extreme right-wing parties such as the British National Party (BNP) try to secure the cultural dimensions of what it means to be British. This not only affects nations, but most of all communities within nations, specifically minority groups. In contrast to the very concept of multiculturalism, forces are gathering within nations to go back to their roots. With the fall of the Soviet Union, much of the world’s attention has been placed on the Islamic world. This attention primarily focuses on the last remainders of highly differential cultural context of Muslim nations. Therefore, hyperglobalists such as Ohmae and Reich argue that globalization melts away cultural dissonances and brings the Muslim world into the West. However, the arrival of Islam into Western nations, such as France, England or Germany, often causes a serious identity crisis among natives and immigrants. Members of both sides want to preserve their heritage by assimilating the other side. As a result, this ‘clash of civilizations’, results in both sides breeding fundamentalist wings within their culture to preserve their own identity. Incidents such as the London and Madrid bombings or the race riots of 2001 in England are just a few examples. Having those recent conflicts and developments in mind, several questions arise: In how far has a clash of civilizations occurred on a domestic level (i.e. England) and – if so – can those conflicts be ascribed to differing cultural factors?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Homogenization versus Heterogenization
- Clash of Civilizations?
- Samuel P. Huntington's Vision
- England After 7/7
- Identity Formation in a Globalized Age
- Britishness
- British Muslim Identity
- Reactions to the loss of identity – Identity Search through stable identities
- Religion
- Nationalism
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to investigate the impact of the growing Muslim population on cross-cultural relations in England, specifically exploring whether a "clash of civilizations" is occurring on a domestic level. It examines the interplay between homogenization and heterogenization in a globalized context and analyzes the challenges of identity formation for various groups within England.
- The impact of globalization on cultural homogenization and heterogenization.
- The role of identity formation in cross-cultural relations.
- The concept of "Britishness" and its relationship to British Muslim identity.
- The potential for cultural conflict and the factors contributing to it.
- Analysis of differing perspectives on cultural flexibility and change.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the study by highlighting the increasing media attention given to cultural conflicts worldwide, ranging from large-scale international conflicts to smaller, domestic incidents. The chapter introduces the contrasting views on the nature of culture – whether it's static or adaptable – and the impact of globalization on cultural interactions. It then focuses specifically on Britain, a former colonial power with a diverse immigrant population, as a case study to explore the complexities of multiculturalism and the rise of ethno-nationalism. The chapter ultimately poses key questions concerning the extent of a "clash of civilizations" within Britain and the role of cultural factors in shaping these conflicts.
Homogenization versus Heterogenization: This chapter delves into the complex relationship between globalization and cultural change, examining the opposing concepts of homogenization (uniformity and conformity) and heterogenization (the multiplication of differences). It discusses the perspectives of various theorists, highlighting the debate surrounding the dominance of Western, particularly American, culture. While some argue that globalization leads to cultural integration, others suggest it fosters the emergence of new hybrid identities. The chapter emphasizes that globalization's impact on culture is not absolute or uniform, leading to both homogenization and heterogenization simultaneously, particularly visible in the case of rising global Islam alongside Western influence.
Clash of Civilizations?: This chapter explores the concept of a "clash of civilizations," particularly focusing on Samuel P. Huntington's vision and its relevance to post-7/7 England. It examines the tensions and conflicts arising from the interaction between different cultural groups, and how these conflicts manifest in various incidents such as the London and Madrid bombings. The chapter analyzes how the arrival of Islam in Western nations, including England, can spark identity crises and the potential for fundamentalist responses. This section likely provides examples and analysis drawing connections to the arguments and concepts detailed in the prior sections.
Identity Formation in a Globalized Age: This chapter examines the complexities of identity formation in a globalized world, particularly focusing on British and British Muslim identities. It delves into the challenges of navigating multiple identities in a multicultural society, addressing the reactions to potential identity loss and the search for stable identities through religion and nationalism. The chapter explores the tensions between maintaining cultural heritage and adapting to the changing global environment, providing context for understanding the various identity struggles in Britain's diverse society. This chapter investigates the role that cultural factors play in shaping individual and group identities in response to the overarching processes of globalization and migration, making a significant contribution to understanding the dynamics of cultural interaction in the context of England's evolving societal landscape.
Keywords
Globalization, homogenization, heterogenization, multiculturalism, British identity, British Muslim identity, clash of civilizations, cultural conflict, identity formation, immigration, nationalism, Islam.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this academic preview?
This preview covers a study investigating the impact of England's growing Muslim population on cross-cultural relations. It specifically examines whether a "clash of civilizations" is occurring domestically, exploring the interplay of homogenization and heterogenization within a globalized context, and analyzing identity formation challenges for various groups in England.
What are the key themes explored in the preview?
Key themes include the impact of globalization on cultural homogenization and heterogenization; the role of identity formation in cross-cultural relations; the concept of "Britishness" and its relationship to British Muslim identity; the potential for cultural conflict and its contributing factors; and differing perspectives on cultural flexibility and change. The study uses the example of England, a former colonial power with a diverse immigrant population, as a case study to explore the complexities of multiculturalism and the rise of ethno-nationalism.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview summarizes each chapter: The introduction sets the stage, highlighting media attention on cultural conflicts and contrasting views on the nature of culture. The "Homogenization versus Heterogenization" chapter explores the relationship between globalization and cultural change. The "Clash of Civilizations?" chapter examines Huntington's vision and its relevance to post-7/7 England. Finally, "Identity Formation in a Globalized Age" delves into the complexities of British and British Muslim identities in a multicultural society.
What is the objective of the research presented in this preview?
The research aims to investigate the impact of the growing Muslim population on cross-cultural relations in England, specifically exploring whether a "clash of civilizations" is occurring on a domestic level. It examines the interplay between homogenization and heterogenization in a globalized context and analyzes the challenges of identity formation for various groups within England.
What keywords are associated with this research?
Keywords include: Globalization, homogenization, heterogenization, multiculturalism, British identity, British Muslim identity, clash of civilizations, cultural conflict, identity formation, immigration, nationalism, and Islam.
What is the structure of the full text as previewed here?
The preview includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. This provides a comprehensive overview of the full text's scope and content.
How does the preview address the concept of a "Clash of Civilizations"?
The preview directly addresses Samuel P. Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations" theory, assessing its relevance to the British context, particularly in the aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings. It explores whether this theory accurately reflects the dynamics of cultural interaction within a multicultural society like England.
What role does identity formation play in the research?
Identity formation is a central theme, exploring how individuals navigate multiple identities in a globalized and multicultural society. The research examines the challenges and tensions involved in maintaining cultural heritage while adapting to a changing global environment, focusing on British and British Muslim identities.
What is the significance of the case study of England?
England serves as a particularly relevant case study due to its history as a former colonial power and its current diverse immigrant population. This makes it a complex and rich context for examining the interplay of multiculturalism and potential cultural conflicts.
- Quote paper
- M.A: Nicole Reuter (Author), 2008, A Clash of Cultures?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123019
