The Chinese in Britain: A Model Minority?

Bc. Lucia Palkovičová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The main aim of my thesis which deals with the Chinese minority in Britain is to question the stereotype of the British Chinese as a model minority. The main focus is on the British-born Chinese and their current situation and position in British society. The work is divided into four main parts, first of which discusses first Chinese immigrants in Britain and the presence of Chinese culture in Britain. In the following chapters, I examine the success of British-born Chinese, and then the identity issue of the BBCs. The issues such as multiculturalism, identity or ethnicity are also discussed. In the last chapter, I look at the possible directions of the BBCs in the future.

Abstract:

The main aim of my thesis which deals with the Chinese minority in Britain is to question the stereotype of the British Chinese as a model minority. The main focus is on the British-born Chinese and their current situation and position in British society. The work is divided into four main parts, first of which discusses first Chinese immigrants in Britain and the presence of Chinese culture in Britain. In the following chapters, I examine the success of British-born Chinese, and then the identity issue of the BBCs. The issues such as multiculturalism, identity or ethnicity are also discussed. In the last chapter, I look at the possible directions of the BBCs in the future.

Keywords

Chinatown, catering industry, British-born Chinese, success, education, profession, identity, multiculturalism, invisibility, role models, racism, 2001 Protest, British-Chinese websites

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 16. 1. 2009

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 28. 1. 2009
• Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Milada Franková, CSc.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Philology / English Language and Literature