The Diversity Illusion

1. Mass immigration has transformed Britain's demographics rapidly and irreversibly

Between 1951 and 1991, the African-Caribbean and South Asian population of Great Britain increased from 80,000 to three million.

Unprecedented change. Britain has undergone a demographic transformation unparalleled in its history. In just a few decades, the country has shifted from an almost entirely homogeneous society to one where ethnic minorities make up a significant portion of the population. This change has been particularly pronounced in major cities like London, where white British people are now a minority.

Scale and speed. The scale and speed of this change are striking:

• In 2009, 25% of births in England and Wales were to foreign-born mothers
• By 2011, over 22% of secondary school pupils were from ethnic minorities
• In some London boroughs, white British residents have become a small minority in just 10 years

This rapid demographic shift has profound implications for British society, culture, and politics. It challenges traditional notions of national identity and raises questions about integration and social cohesion.

2. The economic benefits of immigration are overstated and short-term

Any economic benefit is short-term, with long-term and permanent social effects, and these benefits are mostly felt by the well-off.

Limited gains. While proponents of mass immigration often cite economic benefits, the reality is more complex. Studies suggest that the overall economic impact of immigration on GDP per capita is minimal or even slightly negative. The gains are often short-term and disproportionately benefit employers and the wealthy.

Hidden costs. The economic picture is further complicated by hidden costs:

• Increased pressure on public services like healthcare and education
• Higher housing costs in areas of high immigration
• Depressed wages for low-skilled native workers
• Long-term welfare costs for some immigrant communities

Moreover, the economic argument ignores the significant social and cultural impacts of mass immigration, which are harder to quantify but potentially more consequential in the long run.

3. Diversity reduces social cohesion and trust in communities

In diverse communities people tend to 'distrust their neighbours, regardless of the colour of their skin, to withdraw even from close friends, to expect the worst from their community and its leaders, to volunteer less, give less to charity and work on community projects less often, to register to vote less, to agitate for social reform more but have less faith that they can actually make a difference, and to huddle unhappily in front of the television'.

Social capital decline. Research, particularly by Robert Putnam, has shown that increased ethnic diversity correlates with reduced social capital. This manifests in lower levels of trust, civic engagement, and community participation. People in diverse areas are less likely to volunteer, donate to charity, or engage in local politics.

Wider implications. This erosion of social cohesion has broader societal impacts:

• Reduced support for welfare programs
• Increased difficulty in implementing collective action
• Higher levels of social isolation and loneliness
• Potential for increased ethnic tensions and conflict

While diversity can bring benefits in terms of cultural richness and innovation, these advantages must be weighed against the potential loss of social cohesion and community spirit.

4. Multiculturalism has failed to integrate immigrant communities

But rather than being inclusive, this often had a socially divisive effect, since religious minorities, happy to accept the primacy of Christianity, felt resentment when another minority religion was given preference.

Policy failure. The policy of multiculturalism, which encouraged immigrant communities to maintain their distinct cultures rather than assimilate, has largely failed to create a harmonious, integrated society. Instead, it has often led to the creation of parallel communities with little interaction between different ethnic and religious groups.

Unintended consequences:

• Reinforcement of cultural differences rather than commonalities
• Reduced incentive for immigrants to learn English and adopt British values
• Creation of ethnic enclaves in major cities
• Rise of identity politics and competing group interests

The failure of multiculturalism has led to growing calls for a more assertive promotion of shared national values and identity, alongside recognition of diversity.

5. Islam poses unique challenges for integration in Britain

Islam still functions as a hyper-identity. And it is a strong one, partly because many of the countries British Muslims come from have weak national identities, Pakistan being a prime example.

Religious identity. Islam presents particular challenges for integration due to its role as a comprehensive way of life that can conflict with secular Western values. Many British Muslims identify more strongly with their faith than with their nationality, creating potential conflicts of loyalty.

Integration barriers:

• Resistance to mixed marriages and social mixing
• Demands for religious accommodations in public institutions
• Concerns over radicalization and extremism
• Cultural practices at odds with British norms (e.g., treatment of women)

The growing Muslim population in Britain (projected to reach 8.2% by 2030) raises questions about the future shape of British society and the potential for increased social and political tensions.

6. The political establishment embraced immigration despite public opposition

For forty years conservatives lost the arguments over immigration, despite overwhelming public support.

Elite consensus. Despite consistent public opposition to mass immigration, the political establishment largely embraced it. This disconnect between popular opinion and policy has contributed to growing distrust in political institutions and the rise of populist movements.

Factors behind elite support:

• Economic arguments about labor shortages and growth
• Ideological commitment to multiculturalism and diversity
• Electoral calculations regarding immigrant voters
• Reluctance to be seen as racist or xenophobic

The failure of mainstream parties to address public concerns about immigration has created space for more extreme political movements and contributed to events like Brexit.

7. Rising ethnic nationalism is a response to rapid demographic change

Across Europe, parties largely untouched by the taint of neo-Fascism but often still described (sometimes inexplicably) as 'Far-Right' have gained large and permanent footholds in politics.

Populist backlash. The rapid pace of demographic change has fueled the rise of populist and nationalist movements across Europe. These parties often combine anti-immigration rhetoric with appeals to traditional values and national identity.

Characteristics of new nationalist movements:

• Focus on cultural rather than racial differences
• Opposition to Islam as incompatible with Western values
• Support for stricter immigration controls
• Criticism of multiculturalism and political correctness

This trend represents a significant challenge to the post-war liberal consensus on immigration and multiculturalism in Europe.

8. Technology and globalization hinder immigrant assimilation

Unlike with previous migrations, ancestral identities are no longer extinguished by lack of contact with the mother country.

Persistent connections. Modern technology and globalization have made it easier for immigrants to maintain strong ties with their countries of origin. This can hinder integration and assimilation into the host society.

Factors impeding assimilation:

• Satellite TV and internet access to home country media
• Cheap international communication and travel
• Transnational social and economic networks
• Ability to live in ethnic enclaves with minimal interaction with the wider society

These developments challenge traditional models of immigrant integration and raise questions about the long-term cohesion of diverse societies.

9. Current trends point to a more ethnically divided future for Britain

By 2030 Britain will have a Muslim population of 5.5 million, roughly 8.2 per cent of the total population. That's hardly Eurabia, some might argue, but that figure will not be spread evenly across the country.

Demographic projections. Current trends suggest that Britain will become increasingly diverse in the coming decades, with some cities and regions potentially becoming majority-minority. This raises questions about social cohesion, national identity, and political representation.

Potential consequences:

• Increased ethnic segregation in housing and education
• Growth of identity politics and ethnic voting blocs
• Challenges to traditional British cultural norms and practices
• Potential for increased inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts

While these projections are not destiny, they highlight the need for serious consideration of how to manage diversity and maintain social cohesion in an increasingly plural society.

Last updated: July 22, 2024