Political Dimension of Welsh Identity after Devolution Cover Image

Political Dimension of Welsh Identity after Devolution
Political Dimension of Welsh Identity after Devolution

Fact or Fiction?

Author(s): Bartłomiej H. Toszek
Subject(s): Civil Society, Political behavior, Politics and society, Nationalism Studies, Sociology of Politics
Published by: Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek
Keywords: Wales; United Kingdom; national identity; Welshness; devolution; Welsh language

Summary/Abstract: The Welsh identity is undisputable in national (i.e. ethnic), social, cultural and even economic dimensions however it is doubtful in political sphere because vast majority of the Welsh still cannot decide if they are more Welsh or British. The ’double identity’ dilemma was visible especially during devolution referendums voting in 1979, 1997 and 2011 when non–political motives were often much more determinative then the factor of belonging to the Welsh community in political meaning. Thus, answering to the question about devolution referendum role in shaping political dimension of Welshness requires thoroughly analyse of the mentioned referendums results as an evident figures of public support for establishing legal and institutional guarantees of maintaining and developing all aspects of national identity. In the article has been contained description how the Welsh relations to the idea of self–determination (in frames of the wide internal autonomy) have changed by last 35 years. An author shows also barriers and factors fostering this process.

  • Issue Year: 45/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 353-366
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: English