Repository logo
 

Positionings of the black middle-classes: understanding identity construction beyond strategic assimilation

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Abstract

his paper explores the identities of Britain’s black middle-classes. Drawing upon interviews with seventy-two participants, I theorize a ‘triangle of identity’. This triangle emphasizes how black middle-class identities are constructed within the dynamics of three poles. Firstly, there is the class-minded pole whereby class comes to the fore as a conceptual scheme; secondly, there is the ethnoracial autonomous pole whereby ‘race’ is central to one’s identity and whiteness is actively resisted; and lastly there is the strategic assimilation pole, where one continually moves between classed and racialized spheres of action. This tripartite approach to identity builds upon previous research by further exploring the social, cultural and phenomenological distinctions within Britain’s black middle-classes.

Description

Keywords

black middle-class, race and racism, positioning theory, racial identity, intersectionality, whiteness

Journal Title

Ethnic and Racial Studies

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0141-9870
1466-4356

Volume Title

40

Publisher

Taylor & Francis