Humanities and Arts
Emigration State: Race, Citizenship and Settler Imperialism in Modern British History, c. 1850–1972
Freddy Foks
Freddy Foks
Department of History, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
Abstract
What role did migration play in the making of modern Britain? We now have a good sense of how ethnicity, class, religion and gender structured immigrants' experience and what impact they had on Britain's culture, society and economy. But as Nancy Green pointed out almost two decades ago, scholars of migration must focus on exit as well as entry. Such a call to study ‘the politics of exit’ is especially apposite in the case of the UK. For in every decade between 1850 and 1980 (with the exception of the 1930s), the UK experienced net emigration year on year. This article analyses this outflow of migrants to reveal a new vision of the UK as an ‘emigration state’. The article employs this concept to make a new argument about the formation of migration policy in the UK and offers a revised account of the geographical boundaries of the modern British state.
Key Questions
What is the central argument of the study "Emigration State: Race, Citizenship and Settler Imperialism in Modern British History"?
The study argues that the UK can be understood as an "emigration state" due to its consistent net emigration from 1850 to 1980 (excluding the 1930s). It explores how emigration shaped British migration policy, citizenship, and the geographical boundaries of the modern British state, particularly in the context of race and settler imperialism.
How does the study redefine the UK's role in migration history?
The study redefines the UK as an "emigration state," emphasizing the significance of emigration rather than immigration in shaping its modern history. It highlights how the outflow of migrants influenced British identity, policy, and its imperial relationships, particularly with settler colonies.
What role did race and citizenship play in British emigration policies?
Race and citizenship were central to British emigration policies, as they determined who was encouraged or allowed to emigrate and where they could settle. The study examines how these policies reinforced racial hierarchies and supported settler imperialism in colonies like Australia, Canada, and South Africa.
Why is the concept of the "politics of exit" important in this study?
The "politics of exit" refers to the deliberate policies and ideologies that shaped emigration from the UK. The study argues that understanding emigration is as crucial as studying immigration, as it reveals how the British state managed its population, maintained imperial ties, and constructed national identity.
How does the study connect emigration to settler imperialism?
The study connects emigration to settler imperialism by showing how British emigrants were often directed to settler colonies to consolidate imperial control. This process reinforced racial and cultural dominance in these colonies while shaping the UK's domestic and international policies.
What are the broader implications of the study for understanding modern British history?
The study challenges traditional narratives of British history by emphasizing the role of emigration in shaping the nation's identity, policies, and imperial legacy. It offers a revised understanding of the UK's geographical and political boundaries, highlighting the interconnectedness of migration, race, and empire.
