Consuming Bollywood: young Sikhs social comparisons with heroes and heroines in Indian films

Abstract

This UK based interpretivist study uses social identity and social comparison theory to consider how third generation members of the British Sikh community are consuming Bollywood films. Through the application of social comparison theory this study seeks to extend knowledge relating to how social comparison theory contributes to ethnic identity construction. The consumption of Bollywood provides a valuable to negotiate ethnic identity. There are three key themes that emerged to demonstrate the ways in which social comparisons to Bollywood are influencing the ethnic identities of third generation British Sikhs: (1)social comparisons and ideals of romance, (2) gender differences: making comparisons to heroes and heroines; and (3) British versus Indian self.