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‘We all just want a flag to get behind’: the politics of English national identity.

Baker, T. A., 2024. ‘We all just want a flag to get behind’: the politics of English national identity. National Identities, 26 (2), 123-139.

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DOI: 10.1080/14608944.2023.2288968

Abstract

This paper explores English national identity through qualitative interviews with English-identifying voters in rural South-West England, amidst post-Brexit and COVID-19 uncertainties. Analysing 16 in-depth interviews, the study uncovers micro-level foundations of English identity, revealing a multifaceted view where participants consider it an absent identity. As members of the dominant cultural group, they define Englishness by their perceived 'normal,' distancing anything diverging from their norms as foreign. The study suggests a connection between English identity and reactive resentment towards perceived asymmetrical identity norms compared to neighbouring devolved nations. These findings shed light on the nuanced nature of English identity in rural areas and contribute to discussions about fostering a progressive and inclusive English identity.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:1460-8944
Uncontrolled Keywords:England; Englishness; British politics; identity; devolution
Group:Faculty of Media & Communication
ID Code:39294
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:04 Jan 2024 14:53
Last Modified:30 May 2024 09:44

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