Creole identity: a post-colonial research in contemporary Mauritius

The highly stratified creole community in contemporary Mauritius is undergoing a significant ethnic identity crisis spurred by racialised divisions and class categorisations. This thesis specifically examines the residualisation of a persecuted creole sub-group, the ‘ti-creoles’ who have claimed ‘malaise creole’ in the aftermath of a creolisation process. This group has been enclaved into degraded slums in the outer urban suburbs. This research also considers the creoles’ problematic contribution to wider creolisation in Mauritius (i.e., socio-cultural changes, the entanglement of cultures, transculturation, and miscegenation).

This research examines creoles and non-creoles’ perceptions of marginalisation and categorisation. This includes the impact of racism and stereotyping in contemporary Mauritius, including how creole identity construction is shaped by race, class and politics. It also considers how ‘malaise creole’ is textually and narratively associated with identity, ethnicity, and marginalisation.

This research uses thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) within a social constructionist epistemology. Social constructivism and indigenous research theories foreground the impacts of ‘malaise creole’ on creoles’ identity construction. This research critically analyses participants’ accounts, narratives, and positions as expressed through interviews, and document analysis.

The data consists of 35 semi-structured interviews and a document analysis of two publications. Thirty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with creoles of different geographical locations, genders, and ages (ranging from 20 years to 60 years). Ten additional interviews were conducted with creole and non-creole professionals from urban peripheries and the coastal region of Riviere Noire on the northwest coast. The document analysis included official and unofficial documents, position papers, academic research, local histories, press and media articles, speeches, archival records, and policy documents.

The findings will help scholars better understand creole outlooks, rationales, attitudes, and perceptions. The research also seeks to catalyse positive changes in social policy and public opinion as an advocacy reference document.