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Renowned Oxford academic speaks on issues of cultural identity

Thursday 21 October 2010

(from left to right) Professor Molly Andrews, Professor Steve Trevillion, Professor Anthony Heath and Dr Fariba Salehi

Oxford and Manchester Professor of Sociology and a Fellow of Nuffield College, Professor Anthony Heath spoke about the ‘Ethnic Minorities’ Voting Behaviour, Political Engagement and National Identity’ at the UEL’s Docklands Campus on Wednesday 20 October. He spoke about the method and results of the recent Ethnic Minority British Election Survey, and went on to explain what he believes to be the causes for the differences found in political participation and party preferences between the different ethnic groups surveyed, as well as their political implications. He also spoke briefly about multicultural integration, in relation to the recent public statements of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Dr Fariba Salehi, UEL’s Head of Development and Alumni and the event organiser said; “we are privileged to learn about Professor Heath’s latest research findings in respect to one of the most complex and topical issues of our age: The issue of ethnic identity and its relationship with national identity. It is also reassuring to learn from these findings that ‘multiculturalism is not dead’. There are so many different religions, ethnic groups and cultures in the world, and there is only one way to reflect on this reality, and that is by positively incorporating it into our cultural and political agenda”.

Professor Heath has also published extensively on the issues of class and educational opportunity, social mobility, nationalism and identity, and is a senior advisor to the Government on matters of citizenship, identity and ethnic inequalities.

Professor Heath was welcomed and introduced by the Dean of our School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Professor Steve Trevillion, and our own Professor of Sociology, Professor Molly Andrews.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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