ABSTRACT

This chapter analyzes the continuity and change among the young Turkish generation's attitudes towards cultural and traditional values in London. It discusses the attitudes of the young generation towards relations with the opposite sex, sexuality and sexual behaviour. Young generations of immigrant origin are exposed to a different socialisation than that of their parents in the new setting. Their socialisation is characterised by different social and cultural values. The majority of the sample's parents came from Turkey and Cyprus. The young generation may sometimes adopt the culture of the larger society which might conflict with the parental culture. A sharp contrast emerged between parental approval/disapproval of girl/boy friendships for boys and girls, as perceived by the respondents. Mosques were also involved in teaching Turkish language in addition to religious subjects. Traditional family values are reproduced within the Turkish community. Language, culture, sexuality, control and freedom and the multiple identity allegiance, seem to be the sources of tension and conflict.