Download
1 / 14
140 likes | 472 Views
Multicultural Britain – Successes and Challenges. Paul Fairclough Director Partnership Programmes British Council Poland 24 June 2006. Introduction. I will suggest that: the ethnically and religiously diverse nature of British society has been hugely beneficial for Britain
E N D
Multicultural Britain – Successes and Challenges Paul Fairclough Director Partnership Programmes British Council Poland 24 June 2006
Introduction I will suggest that: • the ethnically and religiously diverse nature of British society has been hugely beneficial for Britain • that the British approaches towards developing a multicultural society have been largely positive – and are evolving • that major challenges remain
Some key facts • Around 8% do not classify themselves as ‘White’ (4.6m people) • Around 50% of those are from South Asia • Around 5% are Chinese • Around 25% as Black or Black British • There are around 1.5m Muslims, 550,000 Hindus, 330,000 Sikhs and 260,000 Jews in UK • There are around 200,000 Gypsies in UK
British Multiculturalism • ‘accommodative multiculturalism’ ‘’It interprets and applies its laws, and formulates and implements its policies, in a culturally sensitive manner, and gives its minorities the freedom and sometimes the resources to maintain their languages and cultures’’ Lord Parekh • Statistics by ethnic origin or religion – for equal opportunities
The benefits of a multicultural society 1 Economic benefits: • ‘’ It is estimated that in 1999/2000 migrants in the UK contributed £31.2 billion in taxes and consumed £28.8 billion in benefits and state services, a net fiscal contribution of approximately £2.5 billion after rounding’’ (UK Government report 2002) • Ageing population/EU expansion • Migrants bring new skills and experiences plus trading links
The benefits of a multicultural society 2 Cultural benefits: • Popular music, Drama, Comedy, Literature, the Arts • Fusions of forms/ hybrid cultures
Perceptions of multiculturalism in UK A source of creativity and innovation • In London 300 languages spoken • Over 25% of the population of London were born in another country • ‘’ It is this mix of people that makes London a vibrant melting pot for innovation, originality and cutting edge creativity’’ (The leader of the London Olympic Bid)
Challenges – Asylum • 2002 110,700 asylum applications (75% rejected) • 2004 33,900 applications (89% rejected) • 26% welcomed asylum seekers (MORI) • 85% recognised media bias (MORI)
Challenges: Geopolitical, Economic, Cultural • Impact of Iraq war • Alienation – fundamentalism • Unemployment within some communities • Cultural divides/conflicts
Key success factors • Appropriate and enforced legislation (e.g Race Relations Amendment Act – 2000) • Pragmatic common sense solutions – not ideology • A responsible media – BBC, the tabloid press? • A strong NGO sector • Citizenship education • Representation in public sector, politics and role models • Economic and employment policies • Open debate – multiculturalism in UK today – social cohesion/cultural pluralism
Vision for the future • ‘A shared identity and common sense of belonging goes hand in hand with love of diversity’ • ‘The fundamental principle is to treat people equally and to treat them with due respect for difference’ • ‘To treasure the rights and freedoms of individuals and to cherish belonging, cohesion and solidarity’ (Runnymede Trust)
