The 2021 census data from the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) has uncovered a notable surge in individuals in England embracing ‘Sikh’ as their ethnic identity. With 97,910 people choosing this classification, this marks a significant revelation in the latest census data for England and Wales.
Key Points from the Census Data:
- Dual Identification: Of the total, 18.6% (97,910 people) identified as ‘Sikh’ through both the ethnic and religious questions.
- Exclusive Ethnic Identification: An additional 0.3% (1,725 people) exclusively selected ‘Sikh’ through the ethnic question.
- Voluntary Religion Question: A majority of 81.1% (426,230 people) opted for ‘Sikh’ through the voluntary religion question.
- Overall Sikh Population: The total number of Sikhs in England and Wales, combining various identifications, stands at 525,865, marking a remarkable 22% increase from the 2011 census.
- Diverse Religious Identities: Among those identifying as Sikh solely through the ethnic group, 55.4% did not disclose their religion, 13.6% identified as Muslim, 12.5% reported no religion, and 8.7% stated their religion as Christian.
Implications and Perspectives:
The ONS data sheds light on the diverse demographic and identity landscape within the Sikh community. While the census indicates a substantial increase in those identifying as Sikh, community leaders like Dabinderjit Singh suggest that the actual number may be higher, closer to 900,000.
Insights into Sikh Demographics:
- National Identity: In England, 75% of Sikhs identified as “British only,” while 13% identified as “Indian.”
- Home Ownership and Marriage: Sikhs exhibited higher rates of home ownership and marriage compared to the general population.
- Educational Attainment: A higher percentage of Sikhs reported having no qualifications.
- Panjabi Speakers: Sikhs comprised the majority of Panjabi speakers in England and Wales, with 63.9% of Panjabi speakers identifying as Sikh.
The 2021 census data illuminates the evolving identity dynamics within the Sikh community in England, reflecting not only an increase in numbers but also offering insights into socio-cultural aspects.
