‘Strong cultures’ and distinctive religions: The influence of imperialism upon British communities of South Asian origin

Abstract

The article begins with a discussion of contrasts drawn between ‘weak’ Afro‐Caribbean and ‘strong’ South Asian cultures in Britain and the association frequently pointed to in such contrasts between ‘strong’ South Asian cultures and the persistence of distinctive religious behaviour. It is argued that the mere fact of distinctiveness does not in itself explain the prominent role taken by religion in the creation of formal associations by South Asian groupings, especially when the religious diversity of South Asians is recognised. The article proceeds to argue that an examination of British policy in India during the period of empire can disclose reasons for the reliance by a variety of South Asian groups upon religion as a source of social cohesion. It is suggested in conclusion that the contrast between ‘weak’ Afro‐Caribbean and ‘strong’ South Asian cultures is doubly misleading due to its negative valuation of Afro‐Caribbean cultures and the uncritical view it encourages of the elements upon which it implies ‘strong’ South Asian cultures are based.