Mixed Race Studies

A dissertation: ‘Mixed-race’ identity among young adults in Britain

University of Sussex
2010

Sophie Kingham

This article addresses the various processes through which ‘mixed-race’ identity is constructed with relation to a national British identity. A multiplicity of belongings which are negotiated on an everyday basis were explored and analysed, alongside theoretical issues and problematic terminology. Based on triangulate qualitative research on young ‘mixed-race’ adults in Brighton and Hove, this research found that many factors contributed to the ability to form a positive identity including the ability to define identity in itself, and the negative impact of being ascribed an identity by other parties. The research also found that many participants were able to positively negotiate an English identity irrespective of their race; contradictory to many theories, although predominantly a British identity was preferred as it allowed them to acknowledge other affiliations. However, factors such as transnational and ethnic practices, familial relations, and racial demographic either heightened or lessened their sense of multiple heritages. These multifaceted identities follow common theories of identity construction and highlight the transient nature of culture and nationality. The research adds to the current literature by exploring more diverse heritages and affiliations, building on current literature that primarily focuses on a black/white dichotomy.

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Acknowledgements
• List of plates and figures

1. Introduction
2. Literature review
   • Terminology
   • Race & Ethnicity
   • Nationalism & Culture
3. Practical methodology and limitations
   • Finding the Participants
   • Statistical Analysis
   • Self-Directed Photography
   • Follow-up Interviews
4. Brighton and Hove’s Ethnicity and Religion statistics
5. Results and analysis
   • Nationality & culture
   • Transnationalism
   • Childhood Family & Home
   • Visual appearance & racial markers difference
6. Conclusion
   • Further Research
7. Bibliography
8. Appendix
   • Census Questions

List of plates and figures

• Table 1: 2001 Census data.
• Figure 1: Jessica celebrating Chinese year with the Asian society
• Figure 2: The children from Tibet that Alex taught.
• Figure 3: Andy with his younger brother.
• Figure 4: The Greek Church in which Nicole was christened

Read the entire paper here.