Does the anglicising of names bury ethnic identity?

Stuart Hall argues that ethnic identities are crucial to our subjective sense of who we are and this study argues that the anglicising of names may suggest a formal change of identity but does not bury ethnic identity. By analysing seminal narratives from and about the collective identity of three ethnic groups, this qualitative investigation considers Hall’s reference to ethnic identities. The thesis demonstrates how institutional discrimination and exploitation has affected the attitudes and experiences of the cohort and as a result, their ethnic identity. Research focused specifically on naming practices and reactions to racial labels. Subjective attitudes and narratives from and about this cohort will also provide understandings of past beliefs and ideologies. The study cohort includes; Australian South Sea Islander, Chinese-Australians and Indian Punjabi Sikhs. Interdisciplinary theories of assimilation, acculturation, pluralism, hybridity and bicultural identity have been presented as a context. The impact of political discrimination stemming from legislation like the White Australia Policy and social exclusion will provide the context wherein the cohort’s identity was challenged. The research has been framed through the interdisciplinary and comparative fields of ethnic studies, sociology, history and psychology. Findings will contribute to the international knowledge base for ethnic identity and assimilation.