Dominant discursive representations of belonging and place have become ever-more politicized, led by narratives of fear, uncertainty and anxiety. Grounded in an interdisciplinary and intersectional perspective, Constructing Realities critically examines contemporary theoretical narratives around English national identity as mediated by place and experience.

Providing clear links between politically driven portrayals and specific lived experiences, as well as theory and everyday life, Stuart Cartland unpacks contemporary examples of ongoing sociocultural processes. Using the English context as a case study, Cartland argues that discourses around national identity are dominated by a conservative approach characterised by a sense of defensive exclusivism and insecurity. Employing discourse analysis to critically investigate the characteristics and constructed nature of ideological articulations of identity within the English social and cultural context, the author seeks to empower marginalised experiences such as those of inner-city, working-class and ethnic minority populations while also undermining dominant narratives around Englishness. Situating the English context within a wider ‘culture war’, chapters identify patterns and processes that are applicable to a multitude of other nations within the contemporary era.

Considering recent developments and ongoing processes such as globalisation, immigration and multiculturalism to offer a useful illustration of the ideological nature of identity formation, this body of work illuminates the intertwined construction of identity and place.

Stuart Cartland is Lecturer at the University of Sussex, UK, where he currently teaches within the school of Global Studies.