City Research Online

Abstract

British-Arabs represent the longest-resident non-European minoritised ethnic group in the UK, yet remain consistently under-represented in research and broader race relations discourse (Al-Jalili, 2004; Caabu, 2020). Second-generation British-Arabs – British citizens with Arab heritage – navigate complex cultural identity negotiations, shaped by historical, socio-political, and systemic forces. In counselling practice, psychologists often support clients in making sense of their identities, experiences, and place in the world. Despite the importance of context in bicultural identity processes, second-generation British-Arabs remain largely absent from psychological literature.

This study addresses this gap by investigating the research question: How do second-generation British-Arabs negotiate their cultural identity? Using an abbreviated version of constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014), interviews with 10 second-generation British-Arabs generated an emergent theory of their identity processes. Findings revealed identity negotiation as a lifelong, dynamic journey towards identity integration, influenced by upbringing, oscillation between connection and disconnection, and personal agency.

As one of the first psychological exploration of second-generation British-Arabs’ identity, this study contributes to understanding cultural identity negotiation in marginalised communities and highlights the need for context-specific approaches to identity within psychology. It provides a foundation for future research into British-Arab experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of this under researched community and ensuring their inclusion in the broader discourse on identity and multiculturalism.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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