No. 360

DECEMBER Bulletin 2009 Runnymede’s Quarterly

Race and the Repercussions of Danny Dorling looks at the inequalities emanating from the recession, comparing the fortunes of black and minority ethnic minorities with those of the white population, analysing the statistics on employment, education and housing. The greater the crash the longer a million tiny actions. Here are a it takes to take stock of the few examples: implications. The 1929 was so great that in the Employment immediate aftermath bankers and The job losses that came with politicians assumed that the only the onset of the current crash hit In this issue: thing that was possible was a black and ethnic minorities harder quick recovery, because they had than the national average worker. • Danny Dorling on the inequalities not known different times; many Although almost everywhere emanating from the recession, false dawns were predicted before a majority of the population is comparing the fortunes of BME people it was finally realized, by around white, geographical place names with those of the white population 1 1933, that much had changed for can be used as a shorthand for ever. what has so far occurred. • Omar Khan reports that even though The repercussions varied By August 2009 - the month the UK economy is now technically out around the world. In the United in which the official claimant States charismatic leaders rate returned to levels last of recession, figures are ensured the slow ushering in of seen when Tony Blair became unlikely to recover soon or at a rapid new equalities as the assets of Prime Minister in May 1997 rate 4 the affluent crumbled, and the - official unemployment rates lives of the children of slaves were highest in the Ladywood, • Liz Fekete outlines her fears that the and of slave owners moved Sparkbrook and Small Heath global recession has led to a greater slight closer together. In Berlin areas of Birmingham, in the scapegoating of foreigners 6 the repercussions were used by West of Belfast (a white minority equally charismatic leaders to build area often ignored), Liverpool • Phil Mawhinney looks at some key up racial division. Great financial Riverside (a.k.a. Toxteth), in the questions arising from Runnymede’s crashes are rarely wasted, but constituencies named ‘central’ in they can be used in many different Leeds and Manchester, and in the Financial Inclusion and Equality ways. Charismatic leaders do not Bethnal Green, Bow, Hackney Conference held in October 2009 7 emerge out of the ether. What and Shoreditch neighbourhoods is possible in the art of politics in of . Rates of official Full contents on p. 28 times of change is determined by unemployment in the places in

ISSN: 1476-363X Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEmBER 2009 1 this list varied between 12 and 20 education system who will suffer recession, including increasing per cent.1. Real rates will be much most, and then those whose university places in line with official higher. employers decide not to favour aspirations and the huge increase in By contrast, rates were lowest in them because, in hard times, that came with recession West and North Dorset, Henley, employers might be tempted more (applications up 11 per cent). Witney, Woodspring, Buckingham, to ‘look after their own’. Racism Much of the flack was deflected to 2 RECESSION Skipton and Ripon, and in was required to ensure that a the more junior Higher Education places such as the constituency majority of young Black Caribbean, Minister, David Lammy MP.5 of Runnymede and Weybridge. ‘other’ Asian and Black African Lammy had to field the complaints, 1 All figures from Unemployment rates in these men were either unemployed or but it was Mandelson who got http://www.parlia- places varied between 2.0 and 2.5 on a government scheme even as to decide what to do. In the end, ment.uk/commons/ per cent. Thus the banking bailout long as a decade after the 1981 Mandelson offered an extra 1 per lib/research/ successfully secured the jobs of recession hit, as were a majority cent of places, not full-funded, to rp2009/rp09-072. pdf Unemployment those living in these leafy Home of Bangladeshi and Black African allow universities to take a tenth of 3 by Constituency, Counties, in north Somerset near women in 1991. those extra applicants. Given the August 2009, Re- the Bristol banking back-offices and profile of those who get to go to search Paper 09/72 in North Yorkshire retreats, close Education university, and the ethnic make- 16 September 2009 to Leeds banks. High priest amongst those in up of the majority of additional The job losses are set to rise power in Britain who see salvation applicants from non-traditional 2 If you doubt that far higher. They will rise highest in market mechanism is Peter backgrounds, it is not hard to work Skipton is part in the poorest areas and amongst Mandelson.4 Throughout early out who loses out most directly of the London banking world ask the poorest groups. Within those 2009 Baron Mandelson came from Mandelson’s penny-pinching. yourself why a di- groups it will be those who have under sustained pressure to It is a little harder to see the knock rect train runs from been least well served by the alleviate the worst effects of the on effects of not taking more that small town to King’s Cross, timed to arrive at ten to ten in the capital Editorial each morning? An important part of my role as Director of Runnymede is to encourage 3 Young meaning conversation and debate about race equality. This takes me to various parts aged 16 to 24 as a proportion of the country and gives me the opportunity to meet a wide range of people. of those in the I recently spoke with a large group of sixth formers in North London. workforce. Figures Intelligent and sparky, this group of 100 politics and sociology students were from the 1991 quick to identify the ways in which racism impacted on their lives. Young census given on page 92 of Dorling, people from all ethnic backgrounds were able to see the way in which racisms D., 1995, A New constrained life chances, and created and perpetuated inequalities. Yet when Social Atlas of asked what they could do about it they were less forthcoming. For many the Britain, Chichester, answer was nothing, the best they could hope for was a change in attitudes John Wiley and over generations. To hear this from 17 and 18 year-olds was disheartening, but highly instructive – Sons. Open access copy at: http:// an inspiration, if any was needed, to keep on pushing for change and providing people with the tools sasi.group.shef. to fight racisms and inequality. ac.uk/publications/ It is hardly surprising that citizens feel so disempowered and have little faith in their ability to new_social_atlas/ influence change, when they are presented with a political debate that in the face of turmoil in index.html capitalist markets worldwide presents so few options for change. As Danny Dorling argues in this 4 First Secretary of Bulletin, the presentation of supposed consensus about responses to the current recession (apart State, Secretary of from about the timing of the cuts) hides numerous possibilities for change that would reduce State for Business, inequalities and work to remove the influence of racism in the lives of citizens. He argues that, Innovation and Skills, President of ‘Great financial crashes are rarely wasted, but when it comes to race, they have either been used to the Board of Trade greatly reduce division or greatly increase it, in different places but all at the same times. There is no and Lord President reason to believe it will be different this time’. Far from there being little that the citizen can do to of the Council, tackle inequalities it would seem as if the recession presents opportunities to reframe our society in former member a manner that fits our aspirations. This edition of the Bulletin focuses on financial inclusion, poverty of Parliament for Hartlepool (3872 and the recession. Omar Khan reports on employment trends, Liz Fekete of the Institute of Race claimants as of Au- Relations on xeno-racism and the cover given to it by the recession, and Phil Mawhinney reports on gust 2009, up 1204 a major Runnymede conference on financial inclusion. In response to the prematurely disillusioned in the year). sixth formers, we report on Runnymede’s first event aimed at young people, and the launch of 5 Member for UKREN’s resources for young Muslims. We also mark the significant contribution to race equality Tottenham (5685 and to Runnymede made by Trustees who have moved on in the past year, leaving Runnymede well- claimants as of Au- placed to continue on our mission to provide intelligence for a multi-ethnic Britain. gust 2009, up 1544 Rob Berkeley in the year). Director

2 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin decemBER 2009 young people into universities in a gap year people who will not be we never really left it) remember time of recession. replaced by so many going on gap that half the children who live The 10,000 students who were years in future. above the fifth floor in England allowed to attend university in are not white, and your tax would 2009 have been given a chance Housing be paltry. In fact the combined not just to study, but to duck In the same week that the land value tax of all the families out of one of the worst youth paltry 10,000 extra university of all those children who live in RECESSION labour markets seen since the places were taken up, Vince tower blocks could be less than 1930s. However, the alternative Cable suggested a tax on those that Duke is unlikely to have been the dole; properties worth more than £1 might have to these are mainly highly qualified million pounds.6 He did this to pay. Property young people. The places were explain how it was possible to owners like reserved for students to study ensure that no one earning less Madonna would science, technology, engineering than £10,000 need pay tax, but complain. and maths. Had they not become still take as much in taxes. This Others might students, almost all of them would was the first time a mainstream quite like the have found work. That is what politician in Britain in the current idea of buying happens to most highly qualified crisis had made the suggestion to up the Duke’s young people, even in recession. replicate part of how the British property so he The curtailing of university coped with the last great financial could pay his funding will not greatly hurt the crash. In the 1920s and especially fair share of the old and ancient universities - the the 1930s various costs, including new national ones where freshers’ fairs tend death duties, led to many of the debt, given how to mean a sea of white faces, great families ‘donating’ their much of the with the odd exception from homes to the National Trust nation he owns. predictable minority groups. The and finding something a little Danny Dorling’s latest slashing of funding will greatly cosier to live in, a place without Conclusion book Injustice: Why Social affect places such as London a household of forty servants say. What would Inequalities Persist will be Metropolitan University, one of Most of the land in Britain is still happen to race published by Policy Press the most ethnically diverse in the owned by the descendents of relations in early in 2010. country where about 550 staff are those immigrants who took it by Britain if there facing the threat of redundancy force after 1066. If you are short was such a because of errors not of their of about £175bn (and counting), redistribution as happened before 6 Cable also said making. there are things you can do other in America and here in the that Britain’s £158 billion public sector There is a particular irony in than slash public spending with 1930s, as happened in Germany pay bill should be that the most pressing problem savage cuts. and Japan following the Second frozen by reducing that will cross Mr Lammy’s desk A land tax, like that tiny half a World War? What happens the highest incomes in his last few months as the first per cent over a million flat-rate when people are less divided by in the public sector. This too was partly black minister of Higher Education tax Mr Cable suggests, is hard to differences in the wealth they done before in the will be trying to decide what to avoid. If you can’t pay the tax, you inherit and their life chances 1930s. In contrast, do about London Met when sell a little of your land to pay it. are less determined by their on the same day, his boss tells him there is no Farms don’t go out of production, families’ wealth, by the places the ‘bosses’ union’, the Confederation cash. He should ask a question, if anything the land is used more they grow up in, and the schools of British Industry, as they did in the United States efficiently. Divided by the 24 they can go to? What happens said that tuition fees 75 years ago: is there really no million hectares of land in Britain, in countries where inequalities should be raised, cash? Next year, with the backlog £175bn is only £7265 per hectare, in wealth are so much lower students should pay higher interest rates created by this year, with fewer or 73p a square metre. I (nearly) than those which have remerged on their loans, and opportunities abroad, there may own a house and would happily in places such as Britain and maintenance grants well be as many as 100,000 extra pay my share. I’ve got a garden America over the course of the should be scaled young people who would rather too, but 73p for having each last few decades? Race is as much back. They have not yet suggest- be studying, than competing in square metre of that is cheap. made by contemporary inequality ing putting small the job market. These are made Obviously it wouldn’t be that as by circumstances of history. children back up up not just of the 40,000 who fair to charge the same amount Great financial crashes are rarely chimneys but they did not manage to get in this for every metre. The Duke of wasted, but when it comes to too are performing much the same role year, and a similar 40,000 we can Westminster’s land holding could race, they have either been used as their predeces- expect next year, but also some be worth a tad more per square to greatly reduce division or sors after that last slightly older young people who metre than my garden in Sheffield, greatly increase it, in different financial crash, be- have found that going straight into but the ’s there. Live in a places but all at the same times. ing the last to see the light from the work from age 17 or 18 was not tower block on the other hand, There is no reason to believe it way out. so great for them, and returning and (to get back to race, although will be different this time. o

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 3 Employment, groups were also identified as being disproportionately affected by the recession, namely younger Recession and Equality people – the number of 20-24 year-olds without a job will rise In the fourth quarter of 2009, the UK economy staggered by a quarter – and those with RECESSION out of a long period of recession. However, unemployment relatively poor qualifications. figures are unlikely to recover soon or at a rapid rate. In Berthoud has further suggested fact, unemployment may continue to worsen in the first half that the outcomes indicated in his 1 Li, Y. and Heath, paper may even be worse. This is A. (2008) ‘Ethnic of 2010. In this article Omar Khan consider recent data on Minority Men in because it is based on a doubling the British Labour how different groups are affected by the recession, and the of unemployment, a figure that Market (1972- longer term consequences. has already happened in the UK. 2005)’, International If unemployment continues to get Journal of Sociology and Social Policy Overall economic outlook strength of particular sectors worse, as it did in the 1983 and 28(5/6): 231-44. and unemployment of the economy, international 1993 , the implications While overall , conditions, and of course various for younger people, those with 2 See the the state of the FTSE-100, policies, different groups of people less qualifications, and BME explanation on the ISER website. manufacturing output or even the are likely to be more affected people, are likely to be worse. : http://www. exchange rate are key indicators than others. While it is sometimes Conversely, however, not all iser.essex.ac.uk/ for the health of the UK economy, thought that all disadvantaged groups currently disadvantaged publications/ the unemployment rate is the groups suffer more during in the labour market are or will working-papers/ iser/2009-23.pdf statistic that is most directly recessions, this isn’t always the do proportionately badly in a relevant for most people. In the case: even among disadvantaged recession. Evidence suggests that current recession, Britain has lost groups some people have worse for gender, age and disability, roughly 600,000 jobs, and the outcomes than others during a disadvantage is ‘stable across overall unemployment rate has recession. business cycles’.2 This does risen to nearly 8%, compared to Recent research by Yaojun not, however, mean that these 5.2% in May 2008; the rate was Li and Anthony Heath has groups will do well out of the as low as 4.7% during 2004 and considered the experience of recession; rather, it means that 2005. Black and minority ethnic men the recession will not worsen the The total number of in the labour market from poor underlying job prospects for unemployed people now stands 1972-2005, including a focus women, older people and disabled at 2.46 million. This does not on how they were affected by people. Another important include those not actively seeking previous recessions.1 It found finding is that there is no clear or work (referred to as ‘economically that BME employment is often consistent relationship between inactive’), either because of long ‘hypercyclical’, meaning that BME the deprivation of an area and term illness, disability, caring people are more likely to get the impact of the recession: while responsibilities, or because they’ve jobs and benefit from economic some disadvantaged regions are simply given up looking for a job expansion, but more likely to doing worse during this recession, (perhaps especially people in their lose jobs during an economic so too are some prosperous 50s and 60s). In some ways the contraction. Given this previous regions. current unemployment figures are research, we might expect that One other piece of data less bad than some BME people are likely to be is worth emphasizing before expected, and Vince Cable significant losers from the ongoing considering the longer-term among others has suggested this recession. consequences of these labour may be because people have This hypothesis has recently market outcomes. This is chosen to reduce their hours or been confirmed by an important that unemployment rates for wages (or both) to keep their piece of research by Richard the wider BME category may jobs. Economists seem to think Berthoud, published on the hide significant variation with that unemployment will rise, but website of the Institute for Social the Black and minority ethnic probably not beyond 10%, which and Economic Research at the population. According to is lower than the peak of 12% University of Essex. His analysis the TUC, for example, while during the recession in the 1980s. of the current recession is based BME male unemployment has on a comparison with earlier risen by 2.3%, the Black male Unemployment for recessions, and estimates that the unemployment rate has risen particular groups proportion of Bangladeshis and by 4.6%.3 This accords with the Recessions do not affect all groups Pakistanis out of work will rise evidence in the Li and Heath equally. Depending on the causes by 7 percentage points to 54%. article cited above, which of the recession, the relative During this recession two other showed that Black Caribbean

4 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 and Black African males did have to survive on 50% of the 17% for white households. This significantly worse in earlier government’s stated poverty line, shows that employment levels recessions. which is identified as 60% of the are not the only problem, and average UK income level. A single that policies must respond also to Consequences and person with no children only the kinds of work that different Conclusions receives 55% of the poverty line, groups do. Labour market outcomes are and while parents do somewhat Coming out of the recession RECESSION somewhat predicted by early better from benefit payments, it is important not only that and previous experiences in the even here a couple with two benefit payments better 3 Data from labour market. This explains children gets around 70% of the correspond to poverty levels, presentation by why the Labour Government poverty line, and a lone parent but that BME people in paid Richard Exell, focused on the long term with two children gets roughly employment have higher wages. TUC at the unemployed from 1997, and 80%. For reference, the poverty Given the high proportion of Financial Inclusion and Equality why it has collected those line represents 60% of the disadvantaged groups including Conference, held statistics independently of the average UK income level. many BME people in low-paid 20 October 2009 overall unemployment rate. It is These figures are particularly and/or part-time work, and the in London. also significant that the longer relevant for understanding the likely disproportionate effects of a person works in a particular effects of unemployment on the ongoing recession on these sector of the economy, the more BME people and families, and already poor labour market difficult it is for them to gain indeed other groups. As the outcomes, future policy will need employment in a different sector. unemployment rate continues to do more than simply aim And once someone accepts to rise, the proportion of people to increase employment rates lower rates of pay or part-time living on benefits – and so living irrespective of the pay or quality hours or reduced benefits, it may in poverty – will also rise. Data of those jobs. If policy makers be hard for them to get those that suggest that BME people, do not provide solutions to back. young people and under-qualified these differential outcomes, this This is one reason why the people will do relatively worse recession will result in greater rising numbers of unemployed from the recession are significant short-term and long-term race young people is so concerning. and should motivate policymakers inequality. o If a person’s initial experience of to consider short- and medium- the labour market is negative, term solutions so that the that can have serious long-term longer-term consequences of this effects on their future labour increase in poverty do not lead to market outcomes. It may also greater race inequality and inhibit cause young people to give up ‘community cohesion’. At the on a particular career or question same time, other disadvantaged the value of further training. groups will continue to do badly Given the greater proportion of during the recession (and see BME people among the younger their poverty rates rise), even if population, this recession may their relative position will not get have longer-term effects for race substantially worse. equality and community cohesion Policies that aim to get people in the UK. Given also that BME in work are of course part of the people are more likely to attend solution. However, as we have university – but also more already suggested, many groups, likely to attend less prestigious including some BME groups, universities – they will also be suffer from in-work poverty or disproportionately affected poor outcomes even where they by poorer outcomes among are employed. Nearly two-thirds graduates. of Bangladeshi households and Finally, it is worth reflecting over half of Pakistani households on how policy can or should lived in low income households respond to these likely outcomes. in 2006/07, with rates for Black Evidence compiled by the TUC Africans at nearly 50%. As a shows that benefit payments result, the risk of poverty for do not enable most people to Pakistanis/Bangladeshis is over escape poverty, much less meet 50%, 36% for Asian British minimum incomes standards. people, 25% for Black or Black For example, a couple with no British and 26% for Chinese or children collecting benefits will other groups; this compares to

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 5 Xeno-racism and up around asylum seekers, and seen most clearly in the creation of separate welfare system the Global Recession and detention centres. Once structures of exclusion are erected Will the global recession lead to greater scapegoating of for one group in society, they can RECESSION foreigners? We asked Liz Fekete,1 the Editor of the Institute easily be adapted for others. It is deeply disturbing that, so soon of Race Relations’ European Race Bulletin, and author of a after Sir William Macpherson 2 1 Liz Fekete is the new book on racism, to outline her fears. warned, in his report into the Deputy Director of death of Stephen Lawrence, of the the Institute of Race We live in very insecure times. point ‘Austria First’ petition against danger of institutionalized racism Relations (http://www. irr.org.uk). She is a Refugees, displaced by the wars in foreigners and in France Jean- against the black community, a new leading authority on Iraq, Afghanistan, much of Africa, Marie Le Pen’s Front National institutionalized racism has been racism, Islamophobia etc., as well as the destabilizing was putting the final touches to its constructed in the UK whereby and national security forces of globalization, are on the ‘300 measures for the renaissance Muslims find themselves caught up legislation. move. The financial crisis and the of France’. Little did I know then in a separate and more punitive 2 A Suitable Enemy: long-term impact of the global that the extreme-Right’s call for criminal justice system, beyond the Racism, Migration and recession means that the threat an exclusive national preference ordinary rule of law. Islamophobia in Europe of unemployment looms over and cultural identity would come Wherever separate structures by Liz Fekete, 2009, £17.99, 260 pages, the British workforce in a way to fruition some 17 years later. are erected to deal with minorities, ISBN 978 0 7453 unparalleled since the 1930s. For a variant of the extreme- stereotypes flourish and racism 2792 1. Extreme-Right and anti- Right’s call for national preference grows. Over the last few months, immigration parties are extremely is today written into government at least six people have died powerful in European politics. For social programmes that demand in racist murders in Europe. In them, the global recession is cause compulsory integration (i.e. Germany, Marwa al-Sherbini, a for celebration. Economic instability assimilation) of minority ethnic Muslim woman who wore the provides the fertile ground upon communities into superior British, headscarf, was stabbed to death which they can sow the seeds of German, French (etc.) ‘values’ and in a German courtroom by a neo- hate and mobilize against ‘enemy ‘nativism’ has been written into Nazi sympathiser who described aliens’ and ‘enemy citizens’. In the European immigration, asylum and her as an ‘Islamist whore’ and June 2009 European parliament national security laws. declared ‘you have no right to elections, the extreme-Right parties How this came about is the live’; in Hungary, a Roma man such as the Islamophobic Freedom subject of A Suitable Enemy: and his child were shot dead Party (PvV) in the Netherlands, Racism, Migration and Islamophobia after fleeing from their house the Danish People’s Party (DFP) in Europe in which I attempt to following an arson attack; and in EXCLUSIVE OFFER and the anti-Roma and anti- describe the ways in which the Spain a Romanian migrant was FOR RUNNYMEDE Semitic Movement for a Better current face of European racism, killed near Madrid by five youths BULLETIN READERS: Hungary (Jobbik) did extremely with its exclusionary logic against who shouted ‘Shit Romanians’. In Order now for well by mobilizing against those ‘enemy aliens’ and ‘enemy citizens,’ addition to these murders, in June, the discount price of £15 inc free communities most vulnerable to is fundamentally tied to labour 110 Romanian men, women and post and packing. demonization in the current debate exploitation, to colonial and neo- children, the majority of whom Phone your order – Muslims, Roma, asylum seekers, colonial geopolitics, and to the were Roma, were forced out of on 0208 348 2724 , irregular migrants and, in much exercise of state power, particularly their homes in northern Ireland fax your order on 0208 348 9133, or of eastern and central Europe, a the power to criminalize and after being subjected to a sustained email your order to familiar scapegoat, the ‘alien’ Jew. imprison. As the cry goes up for campaign of racist intimidation that pluto@plutobooks. Since 1992, I have been editing ‘British jobs for British workers’, the city’s lord mayor described as a com. Please the Institute of Race Relations’ and as the BNP push leaflets ‘stain of shame over Belfast’.3 quote reference RUNNYMEDE. European Race Bulletin and a through our doors proposing ‘no It is easy for those in power collection of essays I originally more mosques’, the scapegoating to talk of their disgust at the Nick 3 More information wrote for the IRR have just grows of foreigners (i.e. migrants Griffin’s of the world, and to talk on these attacks as been revised and published by and refugees), and those deemed of isolating the BNP. What is well as the far-Right in the European Pluto Press. When I first started culturally alien (i.e. Muslims). not so easy is to dismantle the elecitons can be this work 17 years ago, neo- Part of the answer lies in the anti-foreigner and anti-Muslim found in ‘Racism, Nazis in Germany were on the development of a European xeno- structures within our criminal elections and the rampage and refugee hostels at racism, a concept first introduced justice systems and the bias in economic down- turn’ IRR European Hoyerswerda and Rostock had just by A. Sivanandan. It refers to the our immigration and citizenship Race Bulletin no. 68, been firebombed. In Austria, the non-colour coded institutionalized laws that give the European available from IRR at leader of the far-Right Freedom racism that underpinned a whole parliamentary lepers of the BNP www.irr.org.uk Party had just launched a twelve- architecture of exclusion built succour and nourishment. o

6 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 Connecting Financial of institutions that are underpinned by alternative principles? Inclusion and Equality Key issues recurring throughout the day included Runnymede’s Financial Inclusion and Equality Conference progress in helping people was held on the 20th October 2009 in London’s Congress access bank accounts, ethnicity FINANCIAL and financial exclusion, the role INCLUSION Centre, bringing delegates from the financial services industry of risk in determining the costs and government together with those from the equality of products, the importance and community finance sectors. Phil Mawhinney looks at of assets in financial inclusion, some keys questions arising from the conference, including increasing competition and choice whether mainstream financial institutions should offer new in the financial services market, the significance of disadvantage products to those who are excluded, or whether it would in limiting the choice of financial be better for products to be offered through new kinds of products available to people, institutions that are underpinned by alternative principles. autonomy and dependency, and financial capability. Why financial inclusion and and disability. Runnymede Director Dr Rob equality? The conference brought Berkeley welcomed the audience, Runnymede’s Financial Inclusion together a wide range of providing evidence for the and Ethnicity research programme participants: from various equalities persistence of disadvantage and investigates the fact that many Black sectors; from the banking and exclusion of ethnic minorities, and and Minority Ethnic (BME) people insurance industries; from stressed Runnymede’s continued lack access to financial products academia; from the community commitment to achieving racial and services. As a result, people are finance sector; from Parliament equality forty years on from its socially excluded in other ways. The and the civil service; and from inception. Dr Berkeley also took programme has produced several other charities and trade unions. the opportunity to encourage reports to date, including: Although there was a wide those assembled to make the •• Financial Inclusion and diversity of perspectives, the day conference a day of constructive Ethnicity, our initial scoping was characterized by openness dialogue and positive proposals report that gathers and an all-round willingness to for action. Quoting President existing evidence on BME challenge and be challenged. Obama’s Chief of Staff, Rahm experiences of financial Bringing together Emanuel, he reminded the exclusion; representatives from the equality conference that ‘a crisis is a •• Who Pays to Access Cash?, sector and financial services terrible thing to waste’. which showed how BME industry reflected how the people are more likely to live financial inclusion agenda can be ‘Essentially we’ve got a rights- in an area where they have seen as a mix of a rights agenda based agenda, which is the to pay fees for withdrawing and a market agenda. Three key equalities agenda, running cash from cash machines; questions underlay much of the headlong into a market and •• Why do Assets Matter?, which day’s discussion. into government intervention. evaluates how assets are 1. Are some groups simply So some real questions come currently distributed, and too risky, and therefore to the fore, like “Do we have looks at whether measures costly, to be included in a right to financial services?” ’ could be taken to increase financial products and - Danielle Walker-Palmour, asset-holding in the UK. services? Friends Provident Foundation •• Our forthcoming publication 2. What are the potential on financial advice. limits to the role of The Financial Inclusion We convened the Financial markets and how does Taskforce and the shared goal Inclusion and Equality conference this relate to the idea of The first guest speaker of the day to have a constructive discussion social justice? was Brian Pomeroy, the chair of on how financial inclusion relates 3. In terms of practical the Financial Inclusion Taskforce, to inequality and consider how solutions, is it preferable an independent body that has financial inclusion policy can act that existing mainstream monitored progress and advised as both a barrier and driver for financial institutions should the Government since 2005. He greater equality. A key aim was offer new products to emphasized the wider social effects to extend the analysis of financial those who are excluded, of financial inclusion – that financial inclusion beyond ethnicity to or that products are services are akin to other kinds of other equality strands, such as age offered through new kinds basic infrastructure, such as water

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 7 or electricity, and that a lack of Box 1: The shared goal access amounts to a fundamental Agreed between the Government and major UK retail banks in form of social exclusion. Lack of access to bank accounts has been a December 2004, the shared goal was to halve the number of central feature of financial inclusion adults in the UK without access to a bank account. policy for a number of years. The FINANCIAL disadvantages of not having an INCLUSION account include being unable to based on the concern that many ‘If you are unemployed take advantage of direct debit newly-opened accounts fall into or from minority ethnic discounts, being unable to access dormancy or closure. In response, communities you are much affordable loans and the barriers it Catharine French of Barclays noted more likely to be financially poses to employment. their continuing research into these excluded. But the factor issues. which impacts more than any ‘Being disconnected from other on financial inclusion is financial services is no longer ‘We want to understand the income.’ not having something you can dormancy of BBAs and use of - Kate Humphris, Financial do without. It is no longer functions such as direct debits. Services Authority a luxury. Much of financial We are conducting research services is basic infrastructure into usage of accounts and Risk, statistical scoring and and being denied it is, frankly, supporting wider continuing equality I think a matter of inequality research into barriers.’ One of the main themes of and unfairness and justice.’ ­- Catharine French, Barclays the conference was the role - Brian Pomeroy, Financial of risk in determining the costs Inclusion Taskforce The Runnymede perspective of financial products. This is on ethnicity important in the context of Runnymede is grateful to Mr Dr Omar Khan leads equality because risk-scoring Pomeroy for announcing the Runnymede’s work on financial may affect particular groups of successful meeting of the inclusion and ethnicity. He consumers in terms of the cost shared goal on access to bank presented an overview of they have to pay for products. accounts (Box 1) – a significant this research programme, Dr Martin O’Neill of the moment in the financial inclusion noting Runnymede’s priority University of Manchester posed agenda – at the conference. The to inform policy debates by the question of whether or not announcement was generally presenting robust evidence it was fair that people should welcomed by the audience, but of the experiences of BME pay more for products because a number of critical points were people. Financial exclusion is of unchosen characteristics, raised in relation to the Basic partly caused by poverty-related such as age and disability. Bank Accounts (BBAs) provided factors, such as continuing BME More specifically, a number of to many newly-banked people. disadvantage in employment, speakers asked whether this In terms of practical solutions to education and housing. There is would lead to exclusion. Jane financial exclusion, BBAs are a an important distinction between Vass of Age Concern/Help the good example of a new product poverty-related and ethnicity- Aged addressed the issue from being offered through existing related drivers of exclusion. the perspective of older people mainstream institutions. So, while various speakers and while Liz Sayce of RADAR Although BBAs are criticized audience members talked about explained the experiences of for their limited functionality, poverty and income as the most disabled people. She gave the defenders highlight their value as important drivers of exclusion, example of a disabled person ‘gateway products’ – products Dr Khan drew attention to other who was unable to access his that draw excluded consumers drivers relating to ethnicity. The local bank in a wheelchair. Bank towards using a range of services preference for Sharia-compliant staff responded by asking him to and hence contributing to financial banking services in the largely conduct his banking in the street. inclusion. Delegates seemed to BME Muslim community is a This shocking example reminded agree with the idea that BBAs good example of such a driver. the audience of some institutions’ can act as ‘gateway social goods’, People in minority groups continuing failure to provide referring to their potential to who have specific preferences access to disabled customers and foster a broader sense of social about economic decisions may to treat them with respect. inclusion for individuals. therefore be forced to pay higher Ms Vass discussed the ways in Those who gain access to costs. He also set out the three which older people are excluded BBAs may still be borrowing at key questions for the day (listed from financial services as they extortionate rates. Some scepticism above) and emphasized the need age. The result of a mystery of the announced progress was for proposals for policy action. shopper survey was that 1 in 5

8 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 people aged 65 or older who In addition to this useful ‘inside tried to obtain travel, motor perspective’ on risk and cost, Mr ‘If personal circumstances and car insurance failed. Travel Starling also highlighted progress and characteristics give rise insurance premiums available to made in improving access to to risk, are some people too older people are prohibitively affordable home contents risky to take part? And if they costly and some products are insurance for people at great are too risky to take part, simply not available to older risk, such as social renters. A who picks up that risk?’ FINANCIAL consumers, due to arbitrary age side point in the debate about - Danielle Walker-Palmour, INCLUSION limits. Ms Vass also pointed out risk is that people need to more Friends Provident Foundation that travel insurance for older accurately distinguish between people is a good example of a levels of risk. Otherwise, Assets – a middle-class financial product with significance misplaced anger is directed market failure? for social participation, as at banks that are unwilling or One aspect of financial inclusion travel is often the only way unable to lend to high risk that has received less attention older people can see overseas individuals or organizations. is that of asset-building. relatives. In response to Mr Starling, Ms Runnymede’s initial scoping Vass and Ms Sayce accepted that report draws attention to the ‘As you get older, the an element of pricing based on barriers to asset-building for BME likelihood of you making a scoring risks associated with age people. This is explored in more claim is greater and the cost and disability was necessary for depth in a new Runnymede of dealing with that claim is companies to be commercially report, Why Do Assets Matter? greater… The average claim viable. In terms of practical Assets, Equality, Ethnicity – Building made by a person over 65 is solutions to the exclusion they Towards Financial Inclusion (see nearly three and a half times see amongst older people and http://www.runnymedetrust.org/ more expensive than one disabled people, they called publications/133/32.html). made by a person under fifty’. for accuracy, transparency and The theme was taken up by - Nick Starling, Association of respect for all consumers. In Jeannie Drake of the Equality and British Insurers the context of how to provide Human Rights Commission who affordable products for those drew attention to inequalities in Nick Starling of the Association who are currently excluded, asset-holding between different of British Insurers disagreed with three overarching questions groups in the UK, with ethnic Ms Vass in his presentation, were raised. minorities and women holding saying that the claim that some • How far do we want fewer assets. Indeed, she noted products simply aren’t available to go down the road of that ethnic minority women for older consumers is a individual pricing? are often doubly dispossessed. ‘misconception’. As one of the • How important is it to Also, the fact that many BME representatives of the financial provide individuals with people are more likely to own services industry, Mr Starling access to some basic small businesses than the wider gave a clear description of the financial products? population means that many will way risk influences insurance • If it is decided that lose out on occupational pension premiums. He made several key all people should be schemes. points: provided with basic Ms Drake outlined how, in •• Insurance is to cover the products, is this in tension the case of pension savings, the unexpected, rather than with low prices for market has failed to deliver for the expected. others? certain groups. This means that •• Because insurers are These questions raise the issue there is a need for a system in commercial entities, of how society collectively which people can’t be turned and therefore aim to distributes risk-related costs and away on the basis of not being be competitive and whether these costs could or profitable, which may require the distinctive, prices are should be made more equal and introduction of a public service not based solely on risk affordable for all. This relates to obligation. Such an obligation assessments. one of the central conference may have implications for other •• Insurers do not themes: whether existing aspects of financial inclusion discriminate on ethnicity, mainstream institutions can beyond asset-holding. Ms Drake gender or sexual deliver progress or whether new held up the forthcoming reforms orientation but age is institutions with a different ethos to pension policy, including different because ageing are required. The conference the legal duty on employers to happens to us all, bringing encouraged participants from enrol all employees in a pension increasing levels of different sectors to discuss these scheme from 2012, as a good expected risk over time. difficult questions. example of practical solutions

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 9 to long-term disadvantage and Box 2. Lending and financial exclusion in the UK financial exclusion. • 12 million people use the sub prime market • 3-5 million people are using doorstep lenders ‘If personal circumstances and characteristics give rise • Over 1 million people are using payday lenders to risk, are some people too Lender Average APR risky to take part? And if they FINANCIAL Provident 265% INCLUSION are too risky to take part, who picks up that risk?’ Morses Ltd 365% - Danielle Walker-Palmour, Rhodes Finance 1064% Friends Provident Foundation CLC 1564% Pay Day 4000%+ Another aspect of asset-building Source: Faisel Rahman (Fair Finance) presentation is the Government’s Savings Gateway scheme, which is aimed University of London underlined it was not without its moments at lower income people and is that the most important issue was of criticism. Dr Hannam sharply due to be rolled out in 2010. the quality of customer services criticized government financial Guest speaker the Rt. Hon. John rather than the techniques inclusion strategy for: McFall MP chairs the Treasury used to decide costs (such as • being more focused on Select Committee, which has led risk-scoring). He criticized the expanding inclusion in the financial inclusion agenda. He discourse of financial exclusion the mainstream than said that saving is often a ‘middle that assumes that the exclusion encouraging choice and class industry’ and commended people face is entirely forced innovation; the Savings Gateway, in which upon them (i.e. involuntary). • presuming that exclusion the Government contributes 50p Instead, he noted the reality that results from the for every £1 saved. The scheme many people voluntarily choose characteristics of the is underpinned by the belief that to exclude themselves because excluded, rather than due helping people to build assets of negative experiences such to the limited nature of gives people control over their as discrimination or hostility. the services available; and lives by enabling them to spread Expanding choice may mean new • hijacking the credit expenditure over time. companies cater to consumers’ union movement as the needs and preferences in a government’s lender of Giving credit where credit way that existing mainstream last resort, when often is due providers simply don’t. credit unions are not The not-for-profit lending sector, Conference presenter Faisel suited to the task. consisting of credit unions and Rahman of Fair Finance, a social Mr Rahman added his own community development finance business that has advised and lent critique, blaming the lax institutions (CDFIs), was well at affordable rates to over 5000 regulatory environment in the UK represented at the conference. financially excluded people in east for forcing many excluded people Access to affordable credit has London, supported this point. to use unaffordable doorstep or been a central issue in financial Having worked directly with many payday lenders. inclusion, with the Government BME clients, Mr Rahman identified Judging by the reaction of the setting up the Growth Fund in a number of reasons why people audience, the idea that credit can 2004 to increase the availability are financially excluded. The most be provided to excluded people of affordable loans. A lively notable of these is product design. through innovation and choice discussion developed in response The most common priorities in in the market, thereby avoiding to the question ‘Is expanding product design for Fair Finance the creation of ghettos of low the mainstream or supporting clients include respect, customer quality providers, gained some alternative lenders the best way service, accessibility and simplicity. traction. The key question was to help people access affordable These are starkly at odds with ‘How do we advance such a credit?’ This follows the key what most middle class consumers revolution in financial services and question of whether established prioritize, notably price and brand. product design?’ The response or new institutions should provide This point supports Dr Hannam’s was that we need investment products to excluded people. argument that an expanded in and long-term expansion of Alternative lenders include those range of providers and products credit unions and CDFIs, and that are not-for-profit as well as could financially include a lot of new financial companies with those that do make a profit but people who currently avoid the a stronger customer ethos. It have an ethos distinct from that mainstream. was mooted that Virgin and of mainstream lenders. Although the conference Tesco may become important Dr Mark Hannam of the encouraged constructive dialogue players. However, it remains

10 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 Box 3. Disability and poverty entangled • The disability pay gap is currently around 11% • 1 in 3 children living in poverty has at least one disabled parent • While UK poverty fell in the boom years up to 2005, poverty rates increased amongst disabled adults • 55% of families with disabled children live in or at the margins of poverty FINANCIAL INCLUSION to be seen whether they, or at the lack of concrete plans of into reverse during the ongoing other new companies, would action to improve the position of recession, with implications for specifically target those who are Bangladeshi and Pakistani people. further financial exclusion of BME currently excluded and develop More generally, many speakers people. appropriate business models and and delegates emphasized the More than one contributor products to cater to the needs significance of disadvantage and gave special mention to the of these people. Companies inequality. For example, Dr O’Neill gender dynamic of inequality entering the market and targeting noted that it may be artificial to and exclusion. Women are consumers who already use concentrate on financial inclusion significantly over-represented in existing mainstream institutions without developing labour market the make-up of clients accessing may do little to include those policy solutions to the underlying affordable credit through Fair who are currently excluded. issues of income and employment. Finance, as are people from A similar point was raised by Faith BME groups (Figs 2 and 3). This ‘I would suggest that the Reynolds of Toynbee Hall, who appears to support the suggestion financial services industry, the queried whether people need that women, many of whom retail section of it at least, in a minimum level of income to are from BME backgrounds, the UK has yet to face the realise the benefits of financial face particular exclusion from kind of challenge that EasyJet inclusion. Ms Vass and Ms Sayce mainstream services. and Ryanair have posed for highlighted the overrepresentation the air travel industry. But of older people and disabled ‘Only 8% of Pakistani and that’s exactly what we need people respectively among lower Bangladeshi women are in an – we need a revolution in income groups (Box. 3), suggesting occupational pension scheme financial service provision, not that they too would benefit from compared with a third of some token reform of the wider labour market policies. white women. Even the level current regime.’ for white women is far too – Dr Mark Hannam, University Richard Exell of the Trades low if you compare it with of London Union Congress presented white men.’ evidence of the narrowing - Richard Exell, Trades Union Remembering disadvantage poverty gap between BME and Congress and inequality white groups over the last 15 In contrast to the issues of risk years, although BME groups In response to these forms of scoring and increasing choice, one continue to be at greater risk disadvantage, many delegates delegate voiced his frustration of poverty than white people were of the opinion that progress that disadvantage and inequality (Fig. 1). He also pointed out the should be driven by a sense were not being prioritized and risk that this progress may go of social justice, rather than that change was not happening.

‘What I’ve heard today, this Fig 1. Risk of Poverty for Different Ethnic Groups is nothing new in relation to the BME community. And 70 year after year we’ll have 60 53 50 these conferences. Another 36 40 ten years and we’ll still have 23 25 26 the BME community at the 30 17 20 bottom of the [pile]. How 10 do we propose to stop this 0 constant roll of inequality e and injustice?’ Whit Mixed Chinese or other Other conference participants Asian / AsianPakistani British / BangladeshBlacki / Black British shared this concern, with one Ethnic group(s) person expressing his dismay Source: Richard Exell (TUC) presentation

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 11 Fig 2. Fair Finance Clients by Fig 3. Fair Finance Borrowers by Gender Ethnic Group

White

Asian

Male FINANCIAL Black African INCLUSION Female Black Caribbean Other

delivered purely through the BME people as helpless victims, as She also discussed the FSA’s market. Dr O’Neill made this well as an argument for focusing use of wider regulation to foster clear, saying that : on entrepreneurship and success financial inclusion, such as the instead of social justice, which he development of the Sharia- ‘Markets are only ever saw as leading to dependency. compliant banking sector in the going to produce relatively This was a theme followed up UK. She mentioned the new unfair outcomes and those by Lord Freud, the Conservative referral mechanism that allows outcomes are going to track Shadow Minister for Work and people borrowing from the pre-existing patterns of Pensions. He argued that the Social Fund to access free Money disadvantage unless one goes most financially excluded – i.e. Guidance and the continuing in for very broad structural those who are the worst off who support to teachers and youth reform, unless one really cannot save - need to be brought workers to enable young people starts to take income and back into economic activity. He to be financially educated. wealth inequality much more set out Conservative plans to Ms Humphris also gave an seriously than it has been.’ support people to make the overview of financial capability, – Dr O’Neill journey off welfare benefits and which the FSA understands as an into sustainable employment. integral part of financial inclusion. This was a call for recognizing the The issue of welfare benefits The relationship between income centrality of equality to financial was touched on by Mr Exell, and capability is complex. Mr inclusion, in line with the title of who described the low level of Rahman of Fair Finance had earlier the conference. UK benefit levels as a ‘national argued that the excluded (who are Dr O’Neill also raised the disgrace’. Indeed, he showed that on low incomes) are wrongly seen idea that universal access to basic benefit levels for all family types by some as financially incapable, financial services would foster a leave people in poverty as defined in terms of managing money and basic sense of economic citizenship by the Government itself. He also making decisions. He pointed out for all members of society. He raised the key issue of in-work that people are often very good at also suggested that a society that poverty, which a fifth of people managing their money and making fosters equality of opportunity in the labour market experience. rational decisions based on their and access, as well as basic In the context of in-work poverty limited options. FSA evidence shows economic citizenship, will be a and dependence on low benefits, that people with a low income tend more socially cohesive one. problems around debt, a lack of to be better than average at keeping savings and financial exclusion take track of their finances, but less good Autonomy and dependency on greater salience. at planning ahead. – a wider perspective Some contributors touched on Financial capability and the ‘[Our clients] are very good wider issues of autonomy and ‘financial inclusion journey’ managers of their finance. dependency. Professor Nick The theme of financial capability, They do save, in their own Bosanquet of Imperial College which includes the knowledge, way, they do find ways of warned against the danger of skills and confidence to make paying expensive rates, in a conference that ignored the the most of available services, their own way, and they do strengths of BME communities. cropped up throughout the manage budgets on a regular He gave the examples of conference. The national strategy basis. This isn’t a question successful Bangladeshi and for financial capability is led by about helping them to be Chinese business owners in the the Financial Services Authority better financial managers – restaurant trade. This served as (FSA), represented at the they already are.’ a useful warning against seeing conference by Kate Humphris. - Faisel Rahman, Fair Finance

12 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 The conference was enhanced by industry. His stated desire that the presence of contributors from ‘banks serve communities’ found the commercially-driven financial a lot of resonance. services industry. Catharine French of Barclays described their ‘Progress has been made. work in helping people to access It is a bit piecemeal but… basic services. She described if we can assure a cross- FINANCIAL Barclays’ model of inclusion, government approach to that INCLUSION which is conceived as a journey then financial inclusion will of three steps: become a very central part 1. Partnering with charities of government thinking and that are more able to give we can do better in the years close help to the most ahead.’ excluded. An example - Rt Hon. John McFall MP, is Unlock, a charity that Treasury Select Committee enables soon-to-be- released prisoners to The conference was brought open BBAs. to a close by John Kingston of 2. Partnering with the Nationwide Foundation, community finance who expressed the difficulty of associations to support achieving progress as well as the provision of low-cost optimism for continuing the drive loans to those on low to inclusion. He reflected on the incomes, which banks are fact that such a diverse audience unable to provide. was engaged in the first place and 3. Enabling consumers to willing to talk rather than shout. access mainstream banking The presence of parliamentarians at Barclays. from the Labour and She also noted the continuing Conservative parties was seen role of the Post Office, with its as reflective of a broad political historic brand and extensive engagement with the issue. branch coverage, in providing Runnymede’s Financial free cash withdrawal facilities and Inclusion and Equality conference essential banking transactions. was not only an opportunity to debate but to continue to Financial inclusion and the strengthen collective action future and progress. Realising financial Throughout the conference inclusion for all will require the presenters hailed the progress combined efforts of the diversity in financial inclusion as well as of people and perspectives stressing the need for more present at the conference, progress and a sustained will to including those from the financial explore continuing problems services industry. and develop positive solutions. Alongside discussions of progress, the conference provided an opportunity to critique financial inclusion policy, with one participant describing it as un-coordinated and lacking in effectiveness, scale and innovation. John McFall MP recognized the piecemeal nature of progress but re-iterated the importance of the financial inclusion agenda and expressed his desire that it be central to policy in the future. He also addressed the wider issue of the public mood of distrust and anger against those in the banking

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 13 Young, Muslim, Citizen – Identity, Empowerment and Change This is an online resource pack for parents, teachers and youth workers who work professionally with young people of Muslim background. It complements both mosque- RESOURCE based education and citizenship programmes in mainstream schools. It can be found at PACK http://youngmuslimcitizens.org.uk/

This material is aimed at 13-18 year-olds, though some of UKREN is holding a seminar the activities can be used with younger and older people too. to launch the Young Muslim The pack is designed to be used in the following way: & Citizen resource pack, • It’s for dipping into, not for reading cover to cover which will be presented by a • It’s designed to be a help when you’re planning a youth worker who has used course, module or programme – and also when you the pack effectively with the are planning a one-off session young Muslims she works • It gives ideas for activities to do with young people with. The seminar will also • in youth work settings explore Muslim understandings • in mosques and madrasahs, and inter-faith events of citizenship in a European • in citizenship education classes in schools context, and the notion of • at conferences and special events for young people. a European Muslim identity. The keynote speaker will be The pack was compiled by the UK Race and Europe Network (UKREN) Tariq Ramadan, Professor and was initially funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and of Contemporary Islamic was subsequently mostly funded by the Department for Communities Studies at Oxford University, and Local Government (CLG). Established in 1996, UKREN is a UK-wide with a further speaker to be network representing over 170 organizations, predominantly in the confirmed. voluntary, non-governmental organizations by keeping them informed of European anti-discrimination legislation, and of new debates, developments ‘Muslims in Europe, or and projects at European levels that are relevant to their work. European Muslims?’ In recent years UKREN has increasingly been concerned with 22nd April 2010, 6:30-8:00 individuals and communities affected by discrimination not only on PM, followed by a drinks grounds of ethnicity and race but also on grounds of religion or belief. It reception wishes in this connection to engage with individuals and communities in Location: Eversheds, 1 Wood ways that ensure their full involvement in mainstream active citizenship. Street, London, EC2V 7WS It is hosted for administrative purposes by the Runnymede Trust, whose ground-breaking report Islamophobia: A Challenge For further information, please for Us All was published in 1997, and maintains a contact Klara Schmitz at formal relationship with the European Network [email protected] Against Racism (ENAR) based in Brussels, acting as its UK co-ordinator.

14 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 RESOURCE PACK

Some of the images used within the Resource Pack

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 15 StarLit – Children’s Literary Festival, October 2009

STAR LIT The Shoreditch Trust produced StarLit — a new Voices for Generations week-long festival of children’s literature from 5–9 On the evening of 9 October 2009, StarLit and October 2009, celebrating the very best of writing Runnymede Trust celebrated Black History Month for 5 to 15 year-olds. with a packed programme involving authors, poets Taking place during Children’s Book Week, StarLit and musicians. was developed and produced by Shoreditch Trust The first part of the evening focused on black as part of their commitment to encouraging children histories as inspiration for stories, with readings by to develop a passion for literature and reading, self- and conversations with children’s authors including expression and creative writing. Catherine Johnson and S I Martin. The second half In addition, StarLit organized StarLit Nights — looked at writing, poetry, performance and music a series of special evening events at The Bridge across generations of black artists with internationally Academy featuring an amazing line up of authors and renowned poet Linton Kwesi Johnson and rising performers as well as film screenings. grime star Bashy. o

16 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 STAR LIT

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 17 Caribbean Migration to Western Europe and the United States

Caribbean Migration to Western Europe and the United REVIEW States: Essays on Incorporation, Identity and Citizenship Edited by Margarita Cervantes-Rodríquez, Ramón Grosfoguel and Eric Mielants Pp 270; £41.00; ISBN 978 159213 954 5 Reviewed by Chima Anyadike-Danes

This book Casas stand out. Chamberlain’s account of the strategies concerns employed by British African Caribbean people emphasizes itself with the strong family values. This narrative runs counter to much incorporation of the media portrayal of African Caribbean families as of migrants lacking in cohesion. The necessity for strong extended from the families underlines both the racism still present in the UK Caribbean and the problems with the Woolas’ notions of a loyalty into Western test. Loyalty stems, after all, in part from acceptance. The Europe and accounts by Oso Casas and Knauer are also concerned the USA. with feelings of second class citizenship. In Knauer’s It suggests that many migrants live an existence across chapter on the African Cuban rumba she documents how borders and boundaries. Such research is pertinent the dance was employed by African Cubans to create a to the situation in the , where in sense of belonging in New York but also how the actions 2009 immigration minister Phil Woolas called for a of the state damaged that feeling. The same inability to demonstrations of loyalty on the part of citizenship express their identity in a public space is discussed in applicants. Such an attitude cannot be regarded as Oso Casas’s account of Dominican maids in Spain. In anything other than pro-assimilation; promoting the all cases the accounts suggest the same thing - that to a notion that migrants should adopt ‘British values’ and certain extent transnational connections exist and are in part cut their transnational ties. The case studies in maintained because these populations feel displaced and this volume however suggest this is a rather unlikely lack a connection to the core country they now inhabit. development. This peripheral situation, in many instances, is a result of Underpinning these studies are two chapters of theory. racism and until this is effectively dealt with, the loyalty The first is largely drawn from Immanuel Wallerstein’s Woolas stresses is unlikely to materialize. approach to the world system but also incorporates While the introductory chapter makes certain claims ideas from critical race theory and situates the volume about the scope of this work there are significant flaws as carrying out critical border studies. This jargon is in this respect. Specifically the accounts here fail to somewhat difficult to contend with but central to it is accurately represent the diversity of the Caribbean the notion that the Caribbean is part of a world system diasporas. The chapters on the United States for example which relies upon the promotion of racism for the élites focus solely on Spanish speaking migrants, with no in the core regions (Western Europe and the United mention being made of the significant numbers of French States) to maintain their strength. The second chapter and English speaking West Indians residing in the United offers an explanation of theories of transnationalism that States. Moreover, the discussion of the French West are popular today within migration studies. It usefully Indies is limited to the Overseas Departments and fails to distinguishes between the notions of transnationalism and document the Haitian experience in France. The United globalization and explains the need for scholars to abandon States is represented in each section of the volume, and methodological nationalism. Both chapters do a relatively there are two chapters on the experience of the diaspora good job of explaining the theoretical approaches adopted from the Dutch West Indies, but Spain and the United in this volume but they are not particularly accessible to Kingdom receive only a chapter each. Also for a volume readers unfamiliar with the World System approach and on West Indian diasporas there is little discussion of the transnationalism. This lack of accessibility does not render substantial East-Indian diaspora from the Caribbean. the rest of the book unreadable though. Despite my criticisms, this remains an excellent edited The case studies in the volume are divided into three volume with many interesting pieces of scholarship. sections focusing respectively on the relationship between It highlights very effectively the problems with state the migrant and the state, identities and strategies for discourses which on the one hand ask for the loyalty of living. While all the chapters are far more accessible than an immigrant population while continuing to ignore their the theoretical material and provide interesting accounts status as second class citizens and the strategies they have of migrant lives, those by Chamberlain, Knauer and Oso developed to cope with this. o

18 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 Rethinking Migration

Rethinking migration: Work and welfare in a mobile economy Elena Jurado and Annie Bruzzone Policy Network, 2008 Pp.14; free to download from www.policy-network.net REVIEW On the move? Labour migration in times of recession: What can we learn from the past? Janet Dobson, Alan Latham and John Salt, Reviewed by Policy Network, 2009 Phil Mawhinney Pp.23; free to download from www.policy-network.net

These two Policy discourse on who ‘loses Network papers aim to out’ to immigration, contribute clear-headed Jurado and Bruzzone point and balanced analyses of labour migration during the out that ‘the population recession. Both discussions are set against a background of groups who have suffered historically high labour mobility (as reflected by the 2004 most from increases EU enlargement, including ten new member states) and in migrant labour are significant public concerns and tensions over the presence migrants themselves’ (p. 5). This is a robust finding based of migrant workers in European countries. on data from numerous European countries Jurado and Brozzone focus on how popular European It is clear that public concerns over immigration tend government strategies to ‘maximise the economic benefits to turn even uglier during recession, due to heightened of migration while minimising its (apparent) social costs’ competition for jobs. With a similar aim of injecting (p.4) centre around the development of immigration objectivity into the conversation, Dobson, Latham and policies that bring ‘useful’ migrants in and keep ‘unwanted’ Salt take a measured and detailed look at labour migration migrants out. The UK’s Points Based System is an during past periods of recession. They do this by testing example, in which only the ‘best and brightest’ migrants ‘buffer theory’, which posits that migrant workers will are sought. return home during recessionary periods, thereby freeing The authors question the utility of relying solely on up jobs for the native population. such selective immigration policies in which migrants’ Life is rarely as neat as such theories. The author’s skill sets are the key variable. Their central argument is analysis of data from European countries during recessions for a holistic, multi-policy area approach to managing over the last fifty years does not offer strong support for migration. ‘This does not mean that states should abandon the theory. The one prediction offered is that ‘total net efforts to manage migration, but rather that immigration, immigration may decline less in the immediate future than labour market and welfare policies need to be developed in some anticipate’ (p.19, emphasis mine). tandem’ (p. 4, emphasis mine). More interesting are the key factors that disrupt the One of the more aggressive public attacks on theory, such as the active role that immigration policies the imagined migrant is on the way in which he or she has play in shaping migration flows. The authors do well to come to Britain for an easy life on state benefits. Jurado and highlight the complex lived experience of migrants, which Bruzzone discuss the welfare system as a key policy area, ‘doesn’t always emerge from standard statistical models’ (p. noting that selective immigration policies are partly driven 19). So, ‘non-active migrants’, such as wives, husbands, by government concerns over an increased welfare bill, children and students, may move to a country regardless of particularly in the context of a system already under strain its economic health and the trend towards social justice for from an ageing population and budget deficit. However, migrants has led in many countries to a growing concern selection of the ‘right’ migrants, who are young and able to over the integration and rights of migrants. The authors work, may ease such pressures. Such a focus on immigrant also support the oft-stated idea that many migrants work in selection overlooks key welfare issues that affect immigrants jobs that are less under threat during recessions and which and non-immigrants alike. Welfare traps, which hinder native workers have shunned. entrance or re-entrance into the labour market, is the It hardly needs to be said that the issue of migrant given example. The way in which the authors highlight labour raises public passions and leads to political a problem like this, which is shared by all people in a positioning. Both of these papers succeed in contributing country, is an objective and refreshing alternative to the to the debate objective analyses of labour migration from singling out of migrants as a distinct population that lives differing and wider perspectives: Jurado and Bruzzone only in the realm of immigration policy. primarily through the lens of multiple policy areas; The authors note that although the effect of a rising Dobson, Latham and Salt primarily through the lens of share of immigrant employment on native employment historical data comparable to the present situation. For this is minimal, this can hide significant effects on particular contribution these papers, like many ‘useful’ migrants, are native-born groups. However, in contrast to the dominant very welcome. o

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 19 EU Labour Migration since Enlargement: Trends, Impacts and Policies

EU Labour Migration since Enlargement: Trends, Impacts and Policies REVIEW Edited by Béla Galgóczi, Janine Leschke and Andrew Watt Farnham, Surrey: Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2009 Pp. 336; £65.00; ISBN: 978 0 75467 684 3 Reviewed by Kjartan Páll Sveinsson

The task of – labour migration has turned out to be a win–win reviewing situation. It has contributed to growth in the EU15 ‘the empirical countries, and reduced disparities in GDP per capita patterns and and, perhaps more importantly, in purchasing power dimensions standards between EU15 and A8 countries. of labour Although the authors conclude that the national migration benefits of labour migration have been great, they after the 2004 resist the temptation to take the standard theoretical enlargement view in that migration is unambiguously and the good, raising both aggregate welfare as well as the associated welfare of migrants themselves. Predictably, in a economic system that has numerous economic benefits, the costs and labour market effects, as well as policy responses have largely fallen on the migrants themselves, in the by governments and social partners’ is a mammoth form of brain waste and deskilling. This book provides one. At the same time, a comprehensive yet accessible yet another weight on the scales in the argument that analysis of developments and policy responses of EU where migration is concerned, the most pressing issue labour migration since enlargement is long overdue. is to ensure migrants’ rights, as they usually bear the Across the so-called ‘old’ EU15 member states – often brunt of the costs of migration. o dubbed ‘receiving nations’ within the context of EU migration – there was great anxiety about migration flows and influx of a largely unwanted population. This anxiety was strongly felt in the UK, where tabloids and some politicians enthusiastically churned out doomsday predictions that free movement of eastern European workers would flood the Britain and push it to breaking point, with EU8 workers ‘stealing’ local jobs, undercutting wages, taking advantage of an overly generous benefits system, threatening national security and social cohesion, and generally wreaking social and economic havoc on the UK. EU Labour Migration since Enlargement represents the first serious attempt to assess the real impacts of the accession of eight central and eastern European new member states in 2004, followed by two in 2007. As such, it is a welcome antidote to the ad hoc way in which evidence is usually presented in the debate about intra-EU labour migration. The editors’ holistic approach is ambitious, but ultimately they manage to draw a comprehensive picture of the costs and benefits of migration to the different actors who are affected by it, both in sending and receiving countries. The focus is very much on cyclical flows, and through a careful selection of case studies, the editors demonstrate the interdependent relationship between sending and receiving countries. Although an edited volume, its strength lies in that it reads as a whole, rather than as a collection of essays. As a result, the editors are able to plausibly demonstrate how – nationally speaking

20 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 Gangs Culture

Gangs, Marginalised Youth and Social Capital Ross Deuchar Published by Trentham Books, 2009 Pp. 168; £19.99; ISBN 978 1 85856 444 9 REVIEW Reviewed by Adefemi Adekunle

This book easy to agree, is a complicated issue. deals with a What is interesting is how this contextualization range of issues gives a sharper focus to the work. Deuchar outlines that have, in the diverse range of views based around young people’s recent years, perception of their local neighbourhood in the generated following chapters. How many saw their own streets more heat as potential areas of extreme violence in stark contrast than light. with official political and media rhetoric of regeneration Educational and uplift provides an important insight into the lives failure, of young people. The virtual confinement of many unemployment lives to just a few streets – ‘of being trapped in your and poverty own area’ – is given eloquent expression. The fact that are set into a local Glaswegian context and their effect the situation was actually compounded by the police, on a diverse sample of young people is painstakingly school and local government is also made clear. How sketched out. Whilst adolescents are all too often some were actually passionate about social change in demonized by politicians and the media, this broad their housing schemes but were actively suppressed is study – based on data gathered across nine voluntary effectively articulated as well. youth organizations, five secondary schools and four Within this situation, Deuchar proves his ambition broad geographical areas – attempts to redress the by actively outlining some of the factors around the balance. Drawing on the experience of a range of attraction of gangs and gang culture and these prove as 50 young people, it states its conclusions clearly and varied and interesting as his sample group: excitement; effectively and it is a straightforward matter to link drink and drugs; following a family member into the summaries with findings. gang; and peer pressure. Ultimately it appears that The book’s intended audience are academics with young people appeared to gain a sense of emotional an interest in criminology, citizenship and youth security and bonding from gang membership. The work, youth leaders, teachers and sports development usefulness of the investigation here is based around the officers/coaches. It deserves a wider reception than local detail. The linking of racist and sectarian violence that, though. What is valuable is the report’s voicing to the recent terrorist attack on Glasgow airport; the of the experience of a range of young people – from growing number of asylum seekers and refugees and the asylum seeker and refugees and the socially excluded perception of racism in the attitude of some members of to the ostensibly ‘successful’. To this end, the range of the establishment are all mapped out. views harnessed were used as a means of opening up a The main drawback of this work is the scale. wider discussion about their communities, the extent Though it is easy to suspect that this was a conscious to which they felt empowered to make a difference, tactic used to ensure the work maintained a practical their socialization networks and how gangs (identified edge, each of the 10 chapters could have quite easily by them) influenced their levels of social mobility and been expanded to a book twice its size. Each of the trust. chapters left me wanting to know more, not just about For academics, its usefulness is based on various the subject but about the observations of Deuchar’s points. In theoretical terms it synthesizes much of sample group. Still, as stated before, the focus here the latest work on the gangs and links this to the still seems to be more on pragmatic policy interventions fashionable notion of ‘social capital’. In a wide-ranging rather than discussions of the intricacies of policy. To opening chapter, it details how young people have this end, there are a number of innovative (but very often been used as a ‘barometer of social ills’ linking local) examples of innovative practice. some of the latest Scottish legislative developments In summary, this remains a timely and important (like the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, 2008), the role of book. Its stated aim – to challenge the commonly-held the media, international perspectives on gangs and the view that young people are offensive, troublesome and Scottish experience of gang-culture. For experts there threatening – is to an extent achieved. What a reader will not be much new here but for someone taking their is left with is a sense of Deuchar’s curiosity about a first tentative steps within the area, the sweeping though frequently stigmatized group and abiding sense that light outline is a useful first port-of-call in what, it is something not only can be done but should be done. o

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 21 Children of International Migrants in Europe: Comparative Perspectives

Children of International Migrants in Europe: Comparative Perspectives REVIEW Roger Penn and Paul Lambert Palgrave Macmillan, 2009 Pp. 216; £50.00; ISBN 978 1 84742029 9 Reviewed by Kim Vanderaa

Children of International The authors compare each of the three countries in every Migrants in Europe: distinguished category. In some cases they are quite alike. Comparative Perspectives is Where language is concerned, for example, the general trend one of the outcomes of the seems to be that the children of migrants speak their parents’ ‘Effectiveness of National native tongue at home, but the host society’s language with Integration Strategies for their siblings and friends. Immigrant children in Britain, France Children of International and Germany also show similar trends in their friendships as Migrants’ (EFFNATIS) friends are predominantly made in the educational system. project. The book focuses on the analysis of data collected In other areas, however, including education, the three during the project. The data were collected during face-to-face, countries differ largely from each other and the level to which phone or written interviews: ‘[…] from young people aged the children of immigrants experience disadvantage. Although between 16 and 25 years in Britain, France and Germany. In ‘Structural disadvantages persisted well into the “second- each country, samples were drawn from two different groups of generation” for immigrant communities’, immigrants’ children children of international migrants and a parallel control group in Germany experience relatively the greatest disadvantage drawn from the autochthonous population’ (p. 4). compared to their autochthonous counterparts (p. 95). Political Prior to starting their analysis, the authors emphasize that the engagement showed differences between the three countries data were obtained in areas with disproportionally high levels as well, which is likely to be due to the state’s approach to of international immigrants. Arguably this is reflected in the citizenship, the latter heavily affecting political engagement. background of the participants: ‘In Britain, the two allochtonous The Children of International Migrants in Europe gives a groups were young adults with one or more parent from India good overview of the data acquired in the interviews with or from Pakistan […]. In France parents originated from either international migrant’s children. Interestingly, throughout Portugal or the Maghreb (Northern African countries with the study a relatively strong gender dimension is included, a French colonial heritage: Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia). resulting in some very interesting facts. Men tended to be The two groups in Germany were respondents whose parents more proficient in the host society’s language for example, but had migrated from Turkey or from the former Yugoslavia’ also in socio-cultural elements gender seems to play a role, in (p. 4). Despite migrants originating from the aforementioned friendships for example. countries representing the largest immigrant groups in the It should be noted however, as mentioned above, that studied countries, a disproportionate emphasis appears to be there appears to be a disproportionate emphasis on Muslim placed on Muslim immigrants. This is particularly apparent immigrants, especially regarding Britain, as the participants in the British case as the majority of the participants with with an Indian background also tended to be Muslim, whereas an Indian heritage are also Muslim. Not only do the largest it is not mentioned anywhere what proportion of all Indian immigrant communities have different origins in Britain, France immigrants is Muslim. If that is a minority, the reliability of and Germany; the study increases the differences between the acquired data might be somewhat questionable. It would participants due to variation in procedures of interviews, age probably be legitimate to ask whether this emphasis on Muslim and gender. Consequently the comparability of the participants Indians was deliberate or coincidental and if the first, what in Britain, France and Germany might become somewhat the reason for the focus on Muslims was. These seem to be compromised. important elements as the results of this particular study shows To determine the level of integration of the children of these a discrepancy in comparison to other data. According to international migrants, the research looked at different aspects, Penn and Lambert, both the children of Indian and Pakistani divided over the various chapters. Starting with theoretical immigrants experience some disadvantage in education and models of incorporating migrants in the various countries, the tend to be outperformed by their autochthonous counterparts. authors continue to give a short overview of the history of Data obtained in other studies however, shows that Indian immigration into the different countries as well as development pupils have a higher educational achievement than White in migration policy and legislation. After having outlined a British pupils. (see ENAR UK Shadow Report 2008, available theoretical framework on the incorporation of the children of at http://cms.horus.be/files/99935/MediaArchive/national/ migrants in general, Penn and Lambert divide their study along UK%20-%20SR%202008.pdf) different aspects of integration including language use, education Apart from leading to new facts and insights, it is therefore and employment, political and religious participation, life style also interesting to see to how Children of International Migrants in and media use and friendship and marriage. Europe relates to other studies in the same area. o

22 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 Exploring the Experience of Exclusion from School

Excluded from School: Complex Discourses and Psychological Perspectives Christopher Arnold, Jane Yeomans and Sarah Simpson with a chapter by REVIEW Mike Solomon Published by Trentham Books Pp. 178; ISBN 978 1 85856 439 5 Reviewed by Francesca Diamond

Excluded from The case studies are introduced with an overview of School presents five the methods, outlining ethical concerns and validity. The powerful case studies, research approach aims to note themes common to the each exploring in cases rather than generalized statements regarding exclusion. detail the experiences Chapters 3 to 7 include the interview transcripts from each of school exclusions. of the five cases. The authors succeed in their objective of Unstructured exploring how individuals make sense of school exclusion, a interviews were credit to the methodology which encouraged the respondent carried out with several of the key individuals involved to lead the direction of discussion. The style of transcript in order to develop an understanding of what the ‘“big varies slightly both between and within the five cases. The picture” may look like’ (p. 45). Data from the interviews main distinction is between those transcripts where a short form the largest section of the book and in this sense it heading is used to offer the reader direction as to the event offers a rich insight into the events and perceptions of or experience the respondent is referring to, and interviews school exclusions. where significantly more prompting was required. The theoretical paradigms used in the research draw Throughout the accounts several pertinent issues are on two distinct areas of psychology: chaos theory and raised which draw attention to structures of disadvantage. psychodynamic perspectives. The focus of this approach Two such examples are drawn from a school mentor and is to investigate the types of behaviour that may escalate young person respectively. ‘Society is not afraid to demonise difficulties for the young person, as well as establishing an the black child’ (p. 60) and ‘I don’t want to start getting the approach to review the individual’s role in determining blame because of the school I came from’ (p. 103). Both problematic situations. Part 1 offers a very accessible statements offer a sharp insight into the experiences and account of these methodological approaches to the study. perceptions regarding exclusion; they would also benefit The authors discuss several of the key characteristics of from an analysis of the social dynamics that frame them. chaos theory, highlighting that instability for the child is a The final chapter presents observations from the research significant factor contributing to the discourse surrounding and responds well to the theoretical approaches outlined exclusions. Instability in service provision is referred to earlier in the book by identifying two key themes adversely using the analogy of games. The authors’ use of such affected by instability and outlining their implications for phenomenon responds to the wider debate in school exclusion. The authors conclude with recommendations exclusions concerning the issue of passing the blame. for alternative approaches to exclusions. The varied Tables showcasing factors that contribute to instability, interpretations of a single set of events are recognized as and charts which outline the young person’s behaviour contributing to the unstable environments for each young and service responses, further emphasize the centrality person. Reflecting on this instability, the authors highlight of the individual’s behaviour to the research. The the importance for better understanding of the needs and psychodynamic perspectives explored in Chapter 2 circumstances of the young person in order to develop emphasize the importance of directing attention to the ‘increasing empathy’ (p. 172). Such an approach would individual’s anxieties and to a better understanding of encourage the school to rely less upon methods of separation ‘unconscious splitting and projection’ (p. 35). There is and projection, reducing school exclusions. Emphasizing recognition that societal pressures inform the unconscious the young person’s emotional and behavioural needs also actions of separating troubling events (or behaviour) from has the effect of diverting attention from the source of mainstream, yet this is overshadowed by the pressure to comments such as those quoted above. It offers very little correct the young person’s behaviour and to achieve their insight into how experiences such as those of the mentors reintegration. Examining the experience of exclusion relate to and legitimize cases of school exclusions. The and building an understanding of its purpose through experiences recorded during the research offer a significant such perspectives limits the scope of the research to contribution to the wider picture, yet their contribution engage critically with some of the causes rooted in social to the knowledge of school exclusions may be somewhat disadvantage. restrained by a focus at the level of the individual. o

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 23 Locating ‘Race’ in Social Research

Researching Race: Theory, Methods and Analysis Hasmita Ramji Open University Press, 2009 Pp. 136; £20.99; ISBN 978 033522 301 5 REVIEW Reviewed by Angela Nartey THIS BOOK HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Hasmita way race has been researched and attempts to help the Ramji’s reader to develop an understanding of the epistemological Researching limitations that the researcher will face, for example the Race is a dominance of cultural bias and Western and colonial successful theory are identified as limiting frameworks. attempt at Throughout the book there are ‘pause for reflection’ exploring the boxes. An interesting example is under the heading theory and Ethnic Matching Strategies in Chapter 4, ‘Race practice of Interviewing’. The author examines the strategy of researching matching interviewers and interviewees according race and to their ethnicity. Ramji cites advocates of this racism. The author frames the need for the book in the methodology and then demonstrates the problems, context of Western society’s increasing need for ‘a better with accompanying examples. Ramji then poses the understanding of what race is, how it affects people’s lives question: ‘Are you as a researcher limited by your and how society can circumvent “racism’’’. Ramji cites race in terms of what and who you can research?’ (p. the incidents of 11 September 2001 in America and 7 July 60). Ramji then provides an example and extract of 2005 in the UK and increasing policy emphasis of creating a researcher who reports this experience of race as inclusive multiculturalism as key factors in the emergence significant and immediately follows this up with the of a contemporary debate of race and racism in Western question ‘In what ways can you see the researcher’s society. The book is organized under the following assumption of race influencing his approach to the chapters: Introduction; Theoretical and methodological research field? Particularly how does his discomfort debates in the research of race; Surveying race; Race with his own racialized position influence his perception interviewing; Locating ‘race’ in social research; and of others?’ The reader is therefore encouraged to think Conclusion. This publication constitutes an accessible and about the question in both a personal and ‘othered’ well researched piece of work. context encouraging a double and therefore more critical The introduction includes the classical discussions thinking. around ‘What is race?’ and ‘How race can be measured/ This book combines a mixture of case study and understood’, thus establishing race as a social and political literature review to encourage the reader to view theory, construct which is not biological. Ramji also discusses the technique, methodology and analysis as non-discrete tension for race researchers between, on the one hand, the strands of the research process. Each chapter has a mini non-essentialist perception of race, and on the other, the conclusion whilst the concluding chapter looks very need to ‘fix’ the meaning in order to study it. Whilst this briefly at the possible future debates around methodology is a typical opening in much of the research examining and categorization. This chapter could perhaps have race and ethnicity, here it is captured succinctly and benefited from being stronger and longer, as there are well. It is made all the more effective by the fact that some interesting ideas presented which are not necessarily this contention is not forgotten or ignored after the expanded on. In spite of this, this book will be of introduction, but drawn upon throughout, encouraging particular interest to students and researchers who seek to the reader to continuously navigate the relativity of race engage with contemporary debates about race and race and race research. research, and will be useful guidance for those who are in Chapter 2 explores how social theory has affected the the early phase of their research design. o

24 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 Diasporas in the Contemporary World

Diasporas in the Contemporary World Milton J. Esman Polity Press, 2009 Pp. 224; £14.99; ISBN: 978 0 7456 4497 4 REVIEW Reviewed by Kjartan Páll Sveinsson

Diasporas in the range both geographically and historically. Esman manages Contemporary World by to demonstrate not only why diasporas are so important in Milton J. Esman is a modern societies, but also how every single society on earth significant attempt to is today affected by migration in one way or another. comprehensively gauge As a result, Esman gives a good overview of the main the shape and dynamics empirical issues in diaspora studies. Where the book is of the world’s diaspora perhaps somewhat lacking is in the theoretical framework, communities, which is which is not as nuanced as it could be. Nonetheless, the no small task for a relatively short book. Yet Esman’s deep book makes an interesting and informative read. Although knowledge and overview of the research literature makes the British context does not form part of the case studies and him uniquely placed to undertake such a venture. is not given a special focus, the discussion around adaptation The book is clearly and helpfully structured. After a brief and conflict will be of particular interest to a British introduction and discussion on the definition of diasporas, audience, as it deals with and offers insights into many of the Esman explores a handful of case studies in some depth. issues related to community cohesion with which Britain has The choice of these is interesting, and they span a great grappled in the 21st century. o

Publications Received Appearance in this list does not preclude a review in a later edition. Complying with Colonialism edited by Suvi Keskinen, Salla Tuori, Sari Irni and Diana Mulinari, Ashgate, 2009, ISBN 978 075467 435 1. Global Cities at Work: New Migrant Divisions of Labour by Jane Wills, Kavita Datta, Yara Evans, Joanna Herbert, Jon May and Cathy McIlwaine, Pluto Press, 2010, ISBN 978 0 74532 798 3. Pariah Politics: Understanding Western Radical Islamism and What Should be Done by Shamit Saggar, Oxford University Press, 2009, ISBN 978 019955 813 1. The Populist Radical Right in Poland: The Patriots by Rafal Pankowski, Routledge, 2010, ISBN 978 041547 353 8. Strategic Alternatives to Exclusion from School by Carl Parsons, Trentham Books, 2009, ISBN 978 185856 464 7. Talent, Competitiveness and Migration by the Transatlantic Council on Migration, Verlag Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2009, ISBN 978 3 86793 039 0. Teaching Critical Thinking: Practical Thinking by bel hooks, Routledge, 2009, ISBN 978 041596 820 1. Working with Black Young People edited by Momodou Sallah and Carlton Howson, Russell House Publishing, 2009, 978 190554 114 0.

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin DECEMBER 2009 25 Recent Publications from Runnymede

Why Do Assets Matter? Assets, Equality and Ethnicity: Building Towards Financial Inclusion A Runnymede Report by Omar Khan Wealth, and their relationship to it, preoccupies very many people in the UK today. But PUBLICATIONS whatever people’s lifetime aspirations and expectations of accumulating wealth, in reality very few ever acquire a significant number of ‘assets’, including owning a house. Black and minority ethnic groups are twice as likely as white groups to have no savings, with 60% of Black and Asian people in the UK having no savings at all. This report examines who has assets and who does not and why this matters, both socially and financially. And it proposes ways to increase asset-holding so that everyone in the UK, regardless of ethnicity, has a better chance of realizing their aspirations.

Race Equality and the Liberal Democrats A Runnymede Platform by Lynne Featherstone MP Liberal Democrat Equalities Spokesperson Lynne Featherstone MP outlines her vision of how to tackle race inequality in the UK in the second in our series of Runnymede Political Platforms. In her paper Featherstone criticizes the government for poor management of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and calls for ‘Representative Action’ to tackle discrimination. The report also includes responses from academics Professor Harry Goulbourne of London South Bank University and Dr Claire Alexander of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Conservatism and Community Cohesion A Runnymede Platform by Dominic Grieve QC MP Conservative MP Dominic Grieve writes the first in a new series of Runnymede Platform papers. His paper looks at how the Conservative Party’s principles and potential policies marry with the divisive and politically charged topics of race equality and a multi-ethnic society. The report also includes responses from academics, including Lord Bhikhu Parekh, chair of the Runnymede Commission on the Future of Multi-Ethnic Britain; Montserrat Guibernau of the Queen Mary University of London; Ludi Simpson of the Cathie Marsh Centre of Census and Survey Research at the University of Manchester and Shamit Saggar of the University of Sussex.

What Works with Integrating New Migrants? Lessons from International Best Practice A Runnymede Perspective by Zubaida Haque There has been a long term and substantial upward shift of new migrants coming to the UK (and emigrating from the UK) in the last decade. The new migrants come from a wider range of countries and are more short-term and circular in their movements than previously. This rapid churn of migrants has an impact on local communities and neighbourhoods. This report focuses on what type of interventions work in integrating new migrants. It looks at international lessons, drawing from best practice examples in countries across Europe, and within the US, Canada and Australia. The report draws out key drivers of integration, and highlights integration interventions that work for particular groups in a variety of circumstances.

Making a Contribution: New Migrants and Belonging in Multi- Ethnic Britain A Runnymede Community Study by Kjartan Páll Sveinsson This report, the last in the long-running programme of Community Studies, pulls together the qualitative research of the previous 11 small-scale studies for an overview of issues affecting emerging communities in the UK. New migrants’ sense of identity and belonging is explored, as well as the more practical barriers to integration that newcomers face. The idea behind the Community Study series was to look beyond binary notions of ‘White’ and ‘non-White’ at the changing nature of ethnic diversity in the UK, in the hope of getting an insight into the way racisms are formed as people live out their day-to-day lives.

All publications can be downloaded free of charge from www.runnymedetrust.org

26 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin decemBER 2009 Runnymede’s Gratitude to Trustees Who Have Moved On

If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants – Isaac Newton (1675) RUNNYMEDE Maintaining a clear focus on issues responsible for some of the most of race equality, disadvantage challenging race related and current and discrimination in a period affairs programming in the UK. of significant social, political His research background includes and cultural change has been a DPhil from the University of dependent on a range of factors. Oxford and a stint in the Home Chief among them has been the Office Research Intelligence Unit. leadership shown by a number of His journalistic eye was always remarkable people who have given key in cutting to the heart of of their exceptional talents willingly the messages that Runnymede and enthusiastically. Over the developed from its research and past 42 years we have been lucky his understanding of effective as an organization to have been governance were crucial to able to call on individuals from a the organization during periods wide range of professional and of significant change under his political backgrounds who have all Chairmanship. Samir continues to shared an unwavering commitment serve of the boards of the BBC, to furthering race equality and Victoria and Albert Museum, and supporting Runnymede’s role in Screen West Midlands. generating intelligence for a multi- Richard Stone is a stalwart ethnic Britain. The four Trustees of race relations and anti-racism the Macpherson Inquiry into the Dr Richard Stone (on right of who have moved on this year work – using his expertise and murder of Stephen Lawrence and picture) are no exception and it is with considerable energy to bring used his expertise to also bring at a Runnymede Conference in gratitude for their hard work and people together across boundaries light to discrimination in the mental December 2008 leadership that we reflect on and to connect activism to policy. health system through the inquiry their contribution and wish them As Vice-Chair of Runnymede, he led into the treatment of Rocky continued success. Richard was a leading figure in our Bennett. Fittingly, he made a major Samir Shah took on the role Commission on Anti-Semitism, contribution to Runnymede’s of Chair from Trevor Phillips in and on Islamophobia and British focus in 2009 on the progress 1997 and led the re-constitution Muslims. His input to these made since the publication of the of the organization. Working with commissions was always passionate Macpherson report, conducting three different Directors while and he played a considerable his own personal inquiry alongside he was Chair, Samir has also role in ensuring that Runnymede it in order to find solutions to the continued an illustrious career in remained connected to grass persistent inequalities. Richard plans broadcasting. Samir is a former roots organizations and that to step back from the number of head of current affairs and political hitherto ignored discrimination activities to enjoy a well-deserved programming for the BBC. He against Muslims was given due retirement, though knowing is now the Managing Director attention. Richard was also a Richard his ‘retirement’ is unlikely of Juniper Communications, member of the advisory panel to to be a quiet one. o

(Left) Seamus Taylor

(Right) Dr Samir Shah, who was Runnymede’s Chair of Trustees, introducing the speaker Rageh Omaar at the Jim Rose lecture 2008

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin decemBER 2009 27 CONTENTS Kate Gavron was also Vice- demanding roles during his time as Chair of Runnymede during this a trustee, as Director of Strategy at period and used her research the Commission for Racial Equality Race and the Repercussions of Recession 1 expertise and policy insight to huge and then Director of Equality and Danny Dorling effect in supporting Runnymede’s Diversity at the Crown Prosecution work. Kate built on her experience Service, Seamus was always a key Employment, Recession and Equality 4 gained from the Institute of source of support and expertise. Omar Khan RUNNYMEDE Community Studies, where she His encyclopaedic knowledge TEAM worked alongside Michael Young, of legislation and race equality Xeno-racism and the Global Recession 6 Liz Fekete to continue to shed light on regulation was only matched by Robert the experiences of marginalized his understanding of organizational Berkeley communities. She was a key figure change strategy and clear-eyed Connecting Financial Inclusion and Director Equality 7 on the Commission on the Future focus on achieving results. His Phil Mawhinney Sarah Isal of Multi Ethnic Britain – acting as a background with the Irish voluntary Deputy Director bridge between the Commission sector in London also gave Young, Muslim, Citizen – Identity, Debbie and Runnymede and supporting Runnymede insights into a broader Empowerment and Change 14 Weekes- Bernard the legacy of the Parekh Report in range of communities. Seamus StarLit – Children’s Literary Festival, Senior Research our work. Kate also took a keen has returned to Ireland to take October 2009 16 and Policy Analyst interest in our education work and up an academic role at University Omar Khan regularly met with researchers to College Dublin. It is not only Book Reviews 18 Senior Research share ideas and inspire new lines Runnymede that is grateful for and Policy Analyst of inquiry. Kate’s experience in the contribution that Seamus has Publications Received 25 Jessica Mai Sims publishing (Heinemann, Secker & made to equality in Britain – he Research and Warburg, Virago) gave Runnymede was awarded a CBE for the same Recent Publications from Runnymede 26 Policy Analyst real insights into commercial reason in January 2010. Kjartan Páll governance and made Kate a Runnymede’s Gratitude to Sveinsson natural board level lead in thinking Trustees Who Have Moved On 27 Research and more creatively about how Policy Analyst Runnymede could use the arts in Phil Mawhinney its work as both a research tool Research and Policy Analyst and communications method. Indicative of her continued passion Vastiana Belfon Real Histories for knowledge, Kate plans to build Directory on her research work over coming Robin Frampton years. Publications Seamus Taylor was a member Editor of the Commission on the Future The photographs on pages 27 –28 of the of Multi Ethnic Britain. Two years Chair and Trustees (except Seamus Taylor) Nina Kelly © Benedict Hilliard 2009. The photograph on Online Editor after its completion he joined the page 27 of Seamus Taylor: © Florian Knorn at Runnymede board. Despite his www.fkfoto.com 2009. The photographs of the Colin Kelly pages from the Resource Pack on page 14 © Business St Richards Press 2009. The photographs on Development pages 15, 16 and 17 are © Vijay Jethwa 2009. Manager Vicki Butler Political Affairs Bulletin No. 360, December 2009 Officer ISSN 1476-363X Klara Schmitz Project Assistant In 2010, The Bulletin, Runnymede’s Rebecca Waller Quarterly newsletter, will be Administrator published online in the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter by:

The Runnymede Trust 7 Plough Yard, Shoreditch London EC2A 3LP Tel: +44 (0) 20 7377 9222 (Top right) Fax: +44 (0) 20 7377 6622 Dr Samir Shah. Email: [email protected] Url: www.runnymedetrust.org (Bottom) Dr Kate Gavron.

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Copyright © 2009 Runnymede Trust and individual authors. The opinions expressed by individual authors do not necessarily represent the views of the Runnymede Trust.