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Performance of a British-Pakistani Identity

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Abstract

This chapter sheds light on British-Pakistani women’s multiple performances and celebrations of this hyphenated identity at a ‘women only’ dinner dance, organised by two second-generation British-Pakistani sisters and their British-Pakistani friend. The influence of wealthy Pakistanis from Pakistan who had recently settled in Britain had an impact on the second-generation British-Pakistanis. They had brought with them an image of Pakistani culture far removed that portrayed in the British media. The celebration of cultural heritage was expressed through food, fashion, music, values and nostalgia. It was through their shared cultural background and interests that the women established belonging and recognition. Friendships among British-Pakistanis and participation and interest in Pakistani cultural events earned the women status and capital.

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Correspondence to Noreen Mirza .

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Mirza, N. (2020). Performance of a British-Pakistani Identity. In: Navigating the Everyday as Middle-Class British-Pakistani Women. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49312-7_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49312-7_6

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-49311-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-49312-7

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