Identity and Independence in Scotland: a pilot study of Pakistanis and Poles in Scotland

Migrant groups made up a significant proportion of the Scottish electorate voting on independence in September 2014. This paper has examined two key immigrant groups in the context of that vote – Scots Pakistanis and Poles. Although often assumed to be politically dis-engaged our research evidence highlights high levels of turnout in both groups. Scotland’s rather unique constitutional status within the UK means that perceptions of dual and multiple national identities are the norm for many in Scotland. Whilst by no means being the most important component of their identity, there is a clear propensity amongst both groups to prioritize Scottish over British identity. One of the most striking things is how similar the Poles and Pakistanis are in this regard, despite their ‘most different’ migrant status. What also has to be highlighted, however, is the sheer multiplicity of identities that participants exhibit, a complexity missed by studies that look just at national identities. Thus familial and religious identities emerge as important facets of how participants view themselves.