Paper short abstract:

Lack of integration of migrants in mainstream society is a reason for security threats in a host country. We explore perceived discrimination and identity of British Bangladeshis from different generations and densities. Insights from old migrants may help better integration policies for new ones.

Paper long abstract:

Lack of integration of migrants in mainstream society is one reason for security threats in a host country. Integration is closely related to acculturation, the process of which includes attitudes and behaviours towards both the culture of origin and host culture which ultimately shapes the identity of the migrant population. Experiences of prejudice and discrimination are major factors making the acculturation process potentially stressful, which can hamper the wellbeing of those involved and contribute to home grown terror. Muslim communities in the UK are the most disadvantaged groups among South Asians. Scholars have noted that a perception of discrimination and sense of powerlessness may strengthen one's ethnic group identification and weaken ties to the national group.

The current paper aims to explore relationships between perceived racial discrimination and identity of British Bangladeshi migrants, one of the oldest migrant groups in UK. We use a perspective of examining groups representing different generations and different densities across England, a perspective which has not been previously explored. The study population comprises 562 Bangladeshi migrants who live in South England (London) and the Northeast. Preliminary analyses show there are significant differences between generations and regions in terms of perceived racial discrimination and identity. We hypothesis about some of the reasons for these differences. The insights from 'old migrants' may help in formulating better integration policies for new migrants which would help to embed these migrants into Britain's 'Big Society'.

Other co-authors: Gillian Cooper, Khrushida Begum, Sarah Curtis, Gillian Bentley (all University of Durham)