Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Shirin Hirsch Filed Under: Ethnicity Posted:
In light of David Cameron’s push on English language fluency for Muslim women, with testing that could even lead to threat of deportation, researcher Dr Shirin Hirsch argues that a far more ‘inclusive’ approach to languages is needed within British society. A front page for The Daily Express recently claimed that English was starting to […]
How can the UK Government best tackle ethnic disadvantage? Dr Rob Ford looks at why a targeted approach aiming to tackle the problem directly could be politically dangerous. Discrimination is a serious problem in Britain. A wide range of research shows ethnic minorities suffer disadvantages in university applications, in the labour market, in the housing market […]
By Laia Becares Filed Under: Ethnicity, Featured Posted:
If we are to break cycles of deprivation and begin to redress inequalities in health between the white British and ethnic minority populations, policymakers should put more emphasis on structural disadvantage and experiences of racial discrimination, says Dr Laia Bécares. Studies have consistently shown that racial discrimination can lead to poor health, and that racism […]
By Laurence Brown Filed Under: Ethnicity, Europe, Featured Posted:
Given that it is the central focus of UK immigration policy, it is striking that the actual number of the net migration target and its statistical justification has remained so nebulous, says Dr Laurence Brown. “Net migration” was a key term that dominated Home Secretary Theresa May’s recent speech at the Conservative party conference. In […]
By Ingrid Storm Filed Under: Ethnicity, Europe, Featured Posted:
Dr Ingrid Storm argues that economic concerns about immigration are related to financial insecurity. In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis immigration is high on the political agenda throughout Europe, sharply dividing public opinion. Anti-immigration rhetoric often paints a picture of immigrants as “stealing jobs” or “scrounging” on the welfare system, arguments that can […]
By Rob Ford and Maria Sobolewska Filed Under: All posts, Ethnicity, Featured Posted:
Academics Rob Ford and Maria Sobolewska have written an open letter, reproduced below and signed by 365 people, asking Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Teresa May urging them to do more to help the thousands of refugees currently trying to make their way across Europe. Rt Hon David Cameron MP 10 Downing Street London […]
By Nissa Finney Filed Under: All posts, Ethnicity Posted:
It’s not how mixed our social networks are that’s the key to reducing poverty, it’s broader issues of social isolation and inequality in education we should focus on, argues Nissa Finney. The people that we know – our social networks – have come to be seen as a resource, for social and economic support and […]
By Bridget Byrne Filed Under: Ethnicity, Featured Posted:
Drawing on research for her book Making Citizens, Bridget Byrne explores how citizenship ceremonies often hear claims that the UK is a welcoming place, in contrast to new citizens’ actual experiences. Citizenship ceremonies have been taking place in the UK for over a decade. They are very common – taking place, often weekly, in cities […]
By Maria Sobolewska Filed Under: Ethnicity, Featured Posted:
Why do Conservatives try so hard to increase their ethnic diversity while Labour takes minorities for granted? It all depends on who their target voter is. Labour’s target voters thought less of the party when they knew about its ethnic diversity, Conservative’s target voters were the opposite, explains Maria Sobolewska. For political parties the question […]
By Saffron Karlsen Filed Under: Ethnicity, Featured Posted:
While David Cameron has urged British Muslims to assert their British identity, the evidence is that they already do, explains Saffron Karlsen. There is a widely held perception in society that Muslim people living in Britain do not feel British. Comments by David Cameron and others, for example, describe a need to address the lack […]