Deconstructing Racist Narratives and Discrimination in the United Kingdom

Research by : by Claudia Ortiz – Swansea University

Introduction :

‘Diverse’ is a common term used to describe the ever changing society that makes up the United Kingdom (UK). Out of the many groups that make up this heterogeneous society, the communities of black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, collectively known and identified as BAME, is one of the largest and consistently growing communities found in the UK, with thirteen percent of the country’s population (around 8.1 million people), identifying as the different groups of minorities that make up the BAME community[1]. BAME communities have long been a part of the UK’s history, and have in many ways contributed immensely to the growth and development of this country. Unfortunately, their contributions and accomplishments in UK society are largely overshadowed and forgotten due to racist attitudes that are persistently discriminating against members of the BAME community. These discriminatory attitudes, although often seen and portrayed as relics of the past, continue to make a significant impact in the lives of BAME individuals. This policy report will be looking at the gravity of racial discrimination and its effects on the BAME community through different aspects of life, and will examine policies that have been enacted in order to alleviate or stop racial discrimination in different sectors of society. Finally, the report will cover what policy changes should be done in order to assist with eliminating racial discrimination in UK society and thus improve the life chances and overall quality of life for BAME individuals. 

 


[1] Office for National Statistics (2013) 2011 Census: Key Statistics and Quick Statistics for Local Authorities in the United Kingdom