Author Description

Drawing upon unparalleled research by sociologists, political scientists, social psychologists and anthropologists this book focuses on one of the most discussed issues of our day: national identity. It examines how people in England and Scotland 'do' national identity in different situations. It asks: has devolution had much impact on how they see themselves in national terms and how does identity relate to issues of political nationalism? Do these changes challenge the British state by undermining what it means to be British? National identity is not simply a matter for individual construction and choice, but is claimed in, and affected by, varying contexts and institutions. The media, for example, help to frame and define what are 'national' issues. Likewise, national identity is carried by education systems which shape what it means to be 'national'. The world of business too makes use of national identities in processes of rationalization and amalgamation.