Madood (1994) - 2nd and 3rd Generation EMs Religiosity and EMs Immigrants to Britain place more
importance on religion because…
Madood (1994) - Studied ethnic minorities born in Britain and found there appears to Religion appears to be
be an overall decline in the importance of religion for each group. more important among 1) They were more religious before
They have assimilated into British society. Ethnic minority groups migrating to Britain
than among White British Deprived groups tend to be more religious as
In each ethnic group, fewer people from later generations in comparison to 1st people. religion provides an explanation for the
generation respondents said that religion was of personal importance to them, and disadvantaged and offers hope.
fewer said they observed the various rules and requirements
(E.g. the prohibition of alcohol) 1)
Some 2nd generation Asians spoke of having to 2) Religion helps to bond communities
go to the temple for certain family or community It provides members with a sense of shared norms and
functions and of fasting and praying out of fear the values, symbolised through rituals that unite them as a
criticism they would receive otherwise. social group.
(Many are simply religious 1) .
So, Religion has 2 main to avoid conflict with 2)
functions for EMs: parents/family). 3) Religion creates a ‘cultural identity’
This is essentially a feeling of being with people who are
the same/similar to you. This can be through food, music,
1. Cultural transition
language, beliefs; a whole way of life.
When first immigrating to Britain, it makes the transition
easier. They chose to live near people who share their
faith (and culture) and it gives them a sense of Beliefs -
belonging and helps them to settle in. Religiosity and
Ethnicity Is this true for all Ethnic Minority Groups?
2. Cultural defence
They maintain their religion as it is part of their culture
and traditions. They do not wish to assimilate and lose There are in fact differences.
their identity. If they feel their culture is under threat (or
they are experiencing racism) then by resserting their Afro-caribbean communities are traditionally Christian. When first
religion they are protecting it. immigrating to the UK, they were able to access existing churches,
Asians (Hindus,
although they did experience racism.
Sikhs and
However… Muslims) As a result, it was easier for them to carry on with their religion.
When they first arrived in the UK
Religion is often a cause of They have since established their own churches
there were essentially no
conflict between cultures. and styles of worship.
existing places of worship for
Minority cultures are viewed in a them to join.
Whilst religion was important to them and part of
negative light with the idea that Therefore, a collective effort was made by them to their traditions, it didn’t necessarily define who
they should blend in and integrate. establish and practice their faith in a new setting. they were.
However, EMs want to maintain their For Asians, their religion is intricately connected with
cultural differences and this is seen their identity.
with practices such as arranged Religion is central to their lives and it was therefore very
marriages and Sikhs refusing to wear important for them to establish themselves and their religions
motorcycle helmets. in their new home.
importance on religion because…
Madood (1994) - Studied ethnic minorities born in Britain and found there appears to Religion appears to be
be an overall decline in the importance of religion for each group. more important among 1) They were more religious before
They have assimilated into British society. Ethnic minority groups migrating to Britain
than among White British Deprived groups tend to be more religious as
In each ethnic group, fewer people from later generations in comparison to 1st people. religion provides an explanation for the
generation respondents said that religion was of personal importance to them, and disadvantaged and offers hope.
fewer said they observed the various rules and requirements
(E.g. the prohibition of alcohol) 1)
Some 2nd generation Asians spoke of having to 2) Religion helps to bond communities
go to the temple for certain family or community It provides members with a sense of shared norms and
functions and of fasting and praying out of fear the values, symbolised through rituals that unite them as a
criticism they would receive otherwise. social group.
(Many are simply religious 1) .
So, Religion has 2 main to avoid conflict with 2)
functions for EMs: parents/family). 3) Religion creates a ‘cultural identity’
This is essentially a feeling of being with people who are
the same/similar to you. This can be through food, music,
1. Cultural transition
language, beliefs; a whole way of life.
When first immigrating to Britain, it makes the transition
easier. They chose to live near people who share their
faith (and culture) and it gives them a sense of Beliefs -
belonging and helps them to settle in. Religiosity and
Ethnicity Is this true for all Ethnic Minority Groups?
2. Cultural defence
They maintain their religion as it is part of their culture
and traditions. They do not wish to assimilate and lose There are in fact differences.
their identity. If they feel their culture is under threat (or
they are experiencing racism) then by resserting their Afro-caribbean communities are traditionally Christian. When first
religion they are protecting it. immigrating to the UK, they were able to access existing churches,
Asians (Hindus,
although they did experience racism.
Sikhs and
However… Muslims) As a result, it was easier for them to carry on with their religion.
When they first arrived in the UK
Religion is often a cause of They have since established their own churches
there were essentially no
conflict between cultures. and styles of worship.
existing places of worship for
Minority cultures are viewed in a them to join.
Whilst religion was important to them and part of
negative light with the idea that Therefore, a collective effort was made by them to their traditions, it didn’t necessarily define who
they should blend in and integrate. establish and practice their faith in a new setting. they were.
However, EMs want to maintain their For Asians, their religion is intricately connected with
cultural differences and this is seen their identity.
with practices such as arranged Religion is central to their lives and it was therefore very
marriages and Sikhs refusing to wear important for them to establish themselves and their religions
motorcycle helmets. in their new home.
