Centre and Margin in English Culture: A Study of Power and Identity

By: Sameerah Atshan AlFayyad

The concepts of centre and margin have long played a defining role in shaping English culture, both historically and contemporarily. These terms, often rooted in discussions of power, influence, and identity, describe the dynamics between dominant cultural narratives (the centre) and those excluded or marginalized (the margin). Exploring this relationship provides insights into the evolution of English society, literature, and cultural norms.

The Centre: Power and Authority

In English culture, the “centre” traditionally symbolizes power, control, and legitimacy. It often reflects institutions such as the monarchy, the government, the church, and elite cultural spaces like Oxford and Cambridge universities. Historically, the centre has defined what is considered “proper,” “standard,” or “civilized” within English society.

For example, in the colonial era, England positioned itself as the cultural and political centre of its vast empire. The English language, literature, and customs were promoted as symbols of authority, leaving little room for regional or colonial voices. London’s status as a political and cultural hub reflects this centralization of power. To this day, London remains a symbol of economic, cultural, and social “centrality” within the United Kingdom.

The Margin: Voices of Resistance and Exclusion

The “margin,” by contrast, represents those who exist outside the dominant cultural narrative. Margins are spaces where individuals or groups are excluded, whether geographically, economically, or socially. Marginalized communities—such as the working class, women, immigrants, and ethnic minorities—often challenge the norms set by the centre.

English literature reflects this dynamic vividly. Writers like Charles Dickens brought the struggles of the working-class margin to the forefront in novels such as Oliver Twist and Hard Times, critiquing the industrial centre’s neglect. Similarly, postcolonial authors such as Salman Rushdie and Zadie Smith explore the experience of immigrants and diasporic communities who live on the margins of English society but assert their identity in powerful ways.

The Shifting Dynamics Between Centre and Margin

Over time, the boundaries between centre and margin in English culture have evolved. Social movements, such as the suffragette movement, civil rights campaigns, and postcolonial activism, have challenged traditional centres of power. Marginalized voices have gradually pushed their way into mainstream culture, reshaping what is considered central to English identity.

For example, regional accents, once dismissed as “unrefined” by the London-centric establishment, are now celebrated as markers of identity and diversity. Similarly, authors from diverse backgrounds, such as Andrea Levy and Kazuo Ishiguro, have claimed space in the canon of English literature, redefining what it means to belong.

Centre and Margin in Modern English Culture

In contemporary England, debates around centre and margin persist. Issues such as economic inequality, regional disparities (e.g., the North-South divide), and questions of multicultural identity highlight ongoing tensions. While London may remain the cultural and economic centre, cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham assert their influence, shifting perceptions of where cultural power lies.

Moreover, marginalized groups continue to assert their rights and identities, challenging historical exclusions. Cultural phenomena such as the Black Lives Matter movement, feminist campaigns, and immigrant advocacy highlight the margins’ power to influence the centre.

Conclusion

The interplay between centre and margin in English culture reflects a dynamic process of power, resistance, and transformation. While the centre has historically imposed dominant values, the margins have proven to be spaces of creativity, resilience, and change. English culture, as it stands today, is shaped by this ongoing dialogue, where those on the margins continually redefine the meaning and authority of the centre.