Food culture and identity in the Bangladeshi diaspora

A careful look at the UK population reflects the elevated position, growing population of some diaspora groups. Existing research shows the complex nature of diaspora groups and underlines the difficulties for sociologists in understanding the various cultural aspects of these varied groups. Hence, it became crucial to study these groups in order update the existing literatures as most of the existing literatures does not fulfil the required the attention towards diaspora groups. Although scholars started comprehending 'diaspora' in their studies since 1970s, majority of the works remained focused to the classical Jewish diaspora and their characteristics of forceful removals, exile, nostalgia and hope of final return to homeland. Again some of the studies were carried out on African diaspora, but the result remained limited as these studies were more focused with the issues around identity. Following the trend of classical diaspora, a new version of 'diaspora' has arrived, which included new groups of people e.g.: businessmen, politicians, scholars and journalists. The emergence of new diaspora group has challenged the classical form of diaspora through its positive meaning of life opposing the classical theme of survival in agony. So this research will explore the cultural aspects of a relatively new diaspora group with particular reference to the Bangladeshi communities in the UK. Along with that the study will explore the food consumption patterns of this given community. By doing so, it will also identify the relationship between food and identity. As the study will focus on the interest, beliefs and cultural practices of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK, a qualitative research approach is used. In conclusion, the study is expected to uncover the underlying significance of culture and identity on food consumption of diaspora.