ELK, 3. Kursarbeit March. 7, 2006

Asian Immigration into Great Britain

Up until World War 11, there had hardly been any immigration to Britain from India. This changed in the 50s and early 60s, when Britain was in need of unskilled workers for it economic revival and growth and thousands of Indians came to Britain to work in the growing industries in the Midlands. As numbers increased, they began to subdivide themselves according to their linguistic or religious group and different cultural backgrounds.

Since 1945, Britain has become a diverse and multicultural society. In the late eighties the number of immigrants living in Britain reached over three million. Half of these have come from the Commonwealth countries of Asia and Africa. However, coloured immigrants make up only around 6 % of Britain's total population: 1.4 % Asian Indians, 1% West Indians, 0.8 % Pakistani, 0.2 % African, 0.2 % Chinese, 0.2 % Bangladeshi, 0.1 Arabs.

Political differences between India and Pakistan caused wars and economic difficulties, loss of farms and property and poor work prospects in Asian cities encouraged people to leave their countries and come to Britain. In addition, due to the emergence of African Nationalism, in many East African countries such as Uganda, Indians were forced to leave, abandoning their properties and businesses. Many returned to India, others went to England for safety. Higher wages for labour and the good Health Care and Welfare System made Britain seem like a promised land.

Most of them came from rural[1] backgrounds in the poorer areas of India or Pakistan, and were youngest sons with no prospect[2] of inheriting their parent's farm. They were following the footsteps of other family members who had already come to Britain. Families are large in India as the system of joint (or extended) families is usual. A joint family includes married brothers and their families, as well as unmarried brothers and sisters, all living under the tutelage of the eldest male member of the family. Belongings are shared. Orphans and widows are cared for. The head of the family has authority over all members, even those who are married and are fathers themselves.

The process of immigration is described by sociologists in terms of push and pull factors. Wars, religious persecution, political unrest and unemployment force people to leave their native country - they are "pushed out". Employment opportunities, prospects of a flourishing economy, good social and health services, political stability an peace draw ("pull") immigrants into European countries. However, critics argue that it is impossible to categorise all of the relevant factors as either push or pull factors - the reasons for an individual to leave his or her country are varied, complex and are often related to personal experiences.

Today, Britain's Non-European citizens are part of its everyday life. However, especially due to the increasing numbers of immigrants who came into the country in the 1950s and 1960s, Britain has had to face some serious problems. The large numbers of coloured people living in run-down neighbourhoods in large, industrial cities are very striking, as is the fact coloured people get paid less and are often the first to be fired during periods of economic recession. This, along with the great antipathy that exists between the many different groups is a cause of constant friction.

The family network provides the immigrants and their children with a calm retreat in the hostile environment of Britain. The 'foreign' customs and habits of the British intensify the immigrant's need for the homely atmosphere of the extended family. Likewise, immigrants have customs which are 'foreign' to the British. Hindus do not eat beef, Muslims do not eat pork, women of both groups are expected to wear long dresses and stay at home. Young girls are not allowed to date boys. Arranged weddings are another aspect which is very different from European culture. It had long been the tradition in India for parents to start looking around for a possible match, as soon as their child is old enough to marry. They then present their choice to the child who had no alternative but to accept. This tradition was brought over to Britain, but has been slowly eroding during the last three decades. Today, most young people seem to choose their partners themselves, although the wedding is still formally arranged. Exposure to the British or Christian culture has consequences for the way of life of the Indian community. Their community spirit is on the one hand threatened by Western individualism, on the other hand strengthened by this feeling of threat. The emergence of Indian businesses such as food shops, cinemas, video stores, insurance firms and even building societies, helps the immigrants and their second generation to identify with their origins and stick with their culture in the future. However, both children and parents seek to become fluent in English as they, very rightly, consider it a requirement for economic progress.

1.  Present the essential aspects of this text in your own words (~250 words max.) / (10p)
2.  Discuss Kureishi’s novel “Buddha of Suburbia” regarding the main points of Asian immigration pointed out in this text. / (15p)
3.  Write a short review of “Buddha of Suburbia” presenting your personal point on view of the novel. / (15p)

!Brevity is the soul of wit – quality is more important than quantity - reserve some time for proof-reading!

Good luck!

[1] country

[2] chance