Abstract

This paper explores the ways in which a group of South-Asian adolescent girls co-construct their identities within home and secondary school contexts (UK secondary schools cater for 11-18 year olds). In exploring the home and school settings, social, cultural, religious and academic dimensions of identities will be explored within a post-structuralist framework. This work formed the pilot phase of a ‘research focused’ study where eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted across two London-based secondary schools. This paper will consider not only the micro-level analysis of class and school-based interactions but wider influences of race, gender, sexuality and power and the ways in which South-Asian girls negotiate their identities and position themselves in relation to these. Within the UK context, widely held public discourses exist regarding South-Asian girls which portray them as a homogenous group lacking individuality and the power to be active members of the families and societies in which they exist. This research therefore aims to both acknowledge and deconstruct such stereotypes. The paper will specifically discuss the themes of: family, friendships, sexuality and clothing. Finally, the paper will consider the implications of this study for further research.