The Indian Diaspora in the UKAccommodating "Britishness"

  1. O’Connor, Maurice 1
  1. 1 Universidad de Cádiz
    info

    Universidad de Cádiz

    Cádiz, España

    ROR https://ror.org/04mxxkb11

Journal:
Indialogs: Spanish journal of India studies

ISSN: 2339-8523

Year of publication: 2016

Volume: 3

Pages: 137-150

Type: Article

DOI: 10.5565/REV/INDIALOGS.24 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Indialogs: Spanish journal of India studies

Abstract

This paper sets out to explore the growth of the Indian diaspora within the UK. First of all, we shall evidence how, despite the humble beginnings of this diasporic community, their strong sense of community and tenacity has helped them gain visibility within British society. From there, we shall look at the complexities of this heterogeneous community and how they have negotiated new spaces within a society that, initially, was hostile to their presence. Despite a prevailing multicultural ethos, we shall then evidence how a system of ‘adjacent cultures’ has been installed within the UK. To further our understanding on this mutual isolation within diversity we shall apply Homi Bhabha’s theories on cultural difference. Then we shall look at a number of biographies and life writings, penned by South Asian authors, so as to elucidate upon this theoretical background.

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