Evolution of a Multi-cultural Society in Britain

Subject: History
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 14 - 16
Order Number: 7072

The Evolution of a Multi-cultural Society in Britain since 1800

This photocopiable resource contains illustrated information, source extracts and related student activities covering the MEG GCSE Option Topic F. It provides a vehicle for developing sympathetic awareness of our multicultural society. The material has been used successfully over a number of years and begins with a survey of Britain's multicultural ancestry, from the Celts onwards. There follows a study of Black contributions to English society in the 18th and 19th centuries. An outline of the British empire of the 19th century sets the scene for a detailed study of modern immigration into Britain, first by Irish, then Jews and finally, post-1945, by groups from the New Commonwealth.

In each case, reasons for immigration are explored and the reactions of the resident British examined. There is an in-depth study of the development of racism in Britain, especially of the post-1945 'colour bar', alongside a survey of the legal changes brought about by the development of multicultural society, both in immigration controls and anti-racist legislation.

Finally, there is an open-ended survey of modern British attitudes, leaving students to use their own experiences to assess the success of multi-culturalism in modern Britain.

Activities, some source-based, which accompany each section are designed to enable students to develop a responsible understanding and approach to living In a multicultural society. The material also lends itself to the construction of GCSE coursework assignments.