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
1 Introduction
2 Homogenization versus Heterogenization
3 Clash of Civilizations?
3.1 Samuel P. Huntington’s Vision
3.2 England After 7/7
4 Identity Formation in a Globalized Age
4.1 Britishness
4.2 British Muslim Identity
4.3 Reactions to the loss of identity – Identity Search through stable identities
4.3.1 Religion
4.3.2 Nationalism
5 Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The study examines the extent to which a "clash of civilizations" occurs on a domestic level in England, specifically analyzing how globalization and identity formation influence tensions between British Muslim communities and the wider society.
- The impact of globalization on cultural homogenization versus heterogenization.
- Samuel P. Huntington's theory of the "clash of civilizations" and its relevance to modern England.
- The challenges of identity formation and "Britishness" for Muslim communities.
- The rise of resistance identities, such as religious fundamentalism and nationalism, as reactions to globalization.
Excerpt from the Book
4.3. Reactions to the loss of identity - Identity search through stable entities
As argued before, globalization has different effects: on the one hand it promotes cultural synthesis; on the other hand people are starting to worry about losing their traditions in favor of a ‘global culture’.42 In particular the fear of losing one’s identity due to globalization does not only occur among immigrants or citizens with a different ethnic background – moreover this can be applied to people in different situations with various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Global and societal changes in the postmodern era are producing radical transformations in modes of identity construction on both sides. “When individuals or people feel intensively that their religion, historical and national heritage, or any other loves and beliefs, are subject to challenge and attack, then they attempt to resist it”43 Hence, religious fundamentalism, cultural nationalism, territorial communes are all aspects of a form of resistance towards globalization and can be regarded as defensive reactions.44 The strengthening of local identities can be seen as a response from groups who feel threatened by the presence of other cultures. When the world becomes too large to be controlled, social actors aim at shrinking it back to their size and reach. This has the effect that ‘social boundaries’ are set up in order to preserve the national identity by people who seek to return to their cultural roots and rediscover the purity of a lost cultural identity: the resurgence of ethnic nationalism and the rise of religious fundamentalism45. Moreover, in periods of economic uncertainty and political transition, “the rich symbolic resources of ethnicity and religion offer hope in their promise of collective power to those populations who feel powerless under these conditions”46
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the rising cultural conflicts in the post-9/11 era and introduces the research focus on identity formation in England.
2 Homogenization versus Heterogenization: This section discusses the theoretical debate on whether globalization creates a uniform global culture or leads to increased local cultural fragmentation.
3 Clash of Civilizations?: This chapter analyzes Huntington’s theory and contextualizes the tensions in England specifically following the 7/7 attacks.
4 Identity Formation in a Globalized Age: The chapter explores the evolving concept of "Britishness" and the specific identity crises faced by British Muslims, including reactions like religious and nationalistic re-identification.
5 Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes that conflicts are not inevitable "clashes of culture" but are shaped by social, political, and economic factors, urging for better cross-cultural communication.
Keywords
Globalization, Clash of Civilizations, Britishness, British Muslim Identity, Identity Formation, Cultural Conflict, Heterogenization, Nationalism, Religious Fundamentalism, Islamophobia, Social Cohesion, Multiculturalism, Resistance Identity, Post-7/7, Integration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The work investigates the impact of globalization on cross-cultural relations in England, focusing on the tensions experienced by the growing Muslim population and the resulting search for identity.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The central themes include cultural homogenization, the theoretical framework of the "clash of civilizations," identity construction in a globalized environment, and the social reactions to perceived losses of identity.
What is the main research question?
The author asks to what extent a "clash of civilizations" has occurred on a domestic level in England and whether these conflicts can truly be attributed to differing cultural factors.
What methodology is used?
The research adopts an analytical, interdisciplinary approach, utilizing sociological theories and political discourse to evaluate cultural conflicts in contemporary society.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The body covers the global debate on culture, a critical review of Samuel P. Huntington's theories, an analysis of British multiculturalism, and the factors contributing to the rise of fundamentalism and nationalism.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include Globalization, Clash of Civilizations, British Muslim Identity, Multiculturalism, and Resistance Identity.
How does the author view the concept of Britishness?
The author argues that the traditional, narrow definition of "Britishness" often excludes ethnic minorities, contributing to feelings of alienation and homelessness among immigrants.
Why does the author argue that conflicts are social rather than purely cultural?
The author concludes that conflicts are frequently exacerbated by political and economic instability, racism, and foreign policy, rather than being an inherent result of cultural or religious differences alone.
- Quote paper
- M.A: Nicole Reuter (Author), 2008, A Clash of Cultures?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123019
