Constructing their Own space: British Asians explore Cultural Identity, Women, Gender Differences and Feminism within Multicultural Society.

Abstract

British Asian women are frequently acknowledged as an under privileged and discriminated against minority within British society. This research explores how British Asian women and their male counterparts construct women of South Asian origin born and living in Britain. The study employed an in depth interview technique conducting face to face and computer mediated interviews; these were subjected to a qualitative thematic analysis. The analysis identified seven themes which indicated British Asian women are subject to forms of emotional power abuse; factors such as duty and reputation can in some cases restrict freedom and attempt to shelter these women from the multicultural society. They and their male counterparts justify this using a complex interaction of various dynamics relating to family, community, religion, reputation and gender. However, it is important to note that for many of the British Asian women and men, circumstances were not as extreme. There was little to imply they are ‘struggling’ between two cultures, but they realise there is an imbalance and advocate gradual convergence of the cultures currently existing within Britain. They are not passive agents, but active in embracing elements of multicultural British society; they were no longer constructing themselves in relation to Asians or White people, they have or are in the process of forging their own identity and their own space. Although the participants felt equality between the genders had been achieved, they did note that it was different within the home environment. Gender role stereotypes were common and freedom to socialise was at the very least monitored with parents feeling a need to ‘protect’ their daughters. Despite these inequalities at home feminism was associated with problems such as pay differences or the workplace — external to the home. Feminism, or its ‘grass root’ approach was dismissed as something of the past; and participants favoured individual agency rather than collective action. This indicates British Asians prefer to work within the ‘system’ of multicultural British society rather than placing themselves outside it and challenging it from there.