Inequalities Based on Ethnicity (AQA GCSE Sociology)

What is ethnicity?

• An ethnic group is a social group whose members are united by a common identity, such as language, religion, or cultural traditions.

• A group of individuals who belong to an ethnic group different from the majority is referred to as an 'ethnic minority'

• Ethnicity affects the life chances of individuals and groups and their access to power

• The UK is a culturally diverse society and is home to a rich mix of minority ethnic groups

  • Such as those of Irish, Polish, Indian and African-Caribbean heritage

• 'Race' is a term used in different ways

  • It is been used to describe the idea that people can be classified into various "racial groups" based on their physical and natural characteristics

  • The oppression of other groups was justified by the belief that some races were superior to others

    • For instance, this was used to defend European colonisation of parts of Africa and Asia in the 19th century

• Sociologists disagree that people can be classified into various racial groups

• Like gender differences, they contend that racial differences are socially constructed rather than biologically based

• Sociologists acknowledge that racism and prejudice exist

  • Prejudice occurs when people prejudge an individual or group

  • Racism occurs when people are treated differently and less favourably based on their ethnicity

Ethnicity & power

• Data from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) indicates that 13% of the UK population were from minority ethnic backgrounds in 2015

• However, they are under-represented as holders of political power and decision-makers

  • After the 2015 General Election, there were 41 MPs from minority ethnic backgrounds

  • In 2015, 7% of senior civil servants and 3.4% of senior police officers were from minority ethnic backgrounds

  • In 2022, Rishi Sunak became the first British Asian prime minister

  • After the 2024 General Election, however, Parliament became the most diverse ever, with the number of MPs from minority ethnic backgrounds increasing to 87

• Ethnic minority groups are under-represented within the judiciary in England and Wales

  • In April 2016, of court judges who declared their identity, 5% declared their background as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME)

  • However, 8% of court judges aged under 40 years are BAME compared with just 3% aged 60 years or over

Addressing inequality based on ethnicity

• Over the last 50 years, attempts to address inequality based on ethnicity in areas such as education, employment and criminal justice have been linked to:

  • Equality and anti-discrimination legislation

    • The Race Relations Act of 1976 made victimisation, indirect discrimination, and discrimination illegal

    • The Equality Act 2010 aims to protect people from unfair treatment and to promote a fair and more equal society

  • The Equality and Human Rights Commission

    • Britain's national equality body aims to make the countrya fairer place by tackling discrimination and promoting equal opportunities

  • Recognition of institutional racism

    • The Macpherson Report (1999) raised awareness of institutional racism within organisations such as the Metropolitan Police

    • However, the Runnymede Trust and Amnesty International UK (2024) argue that the failure to tackle institutional racism is the cause of racist violence on UK streets

  • Equal opportunities policies

    • There are statements and policies in place in workplaces and educational institutions that promote diversity and equality

Ethnicity & inequalities at work

• Some commentators argue that inequalities based on ethnicity are much less significant than they were 50 years ago

  • For example, there is a growing presence of ethnic minorities in politics, the arts, and the media

• Others argue that in some of the most crucial areas (employment, education and the criminal justice system), little has changed as:

  • Those of Asian and Black Caribbean heritage have greater unemployment rates in the UK than do white people.

  • Compared to their white British peers, men and women of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage have significantly lower chances of landing professional and managerial positions

  • Chinese and Indian minority groups, however, had the same opportunities as their white British peers to obtain managerial and professional positions

Explanations for ethnic inequalities at work

• Discrimination in the labour market

  • In the workplace, prejudice and discrimination still exist, and it can be challenging to enforce equality laws

  • Consequently, certain ethnic groups' life chances and quality of life suffer

• Minority ethnic groups and the underclass

  • According to New Right viewpoints, some members of minority ethnic groups belong to an underclass

  • According to Charles Murray (1984), the welfare system contributed to the rise of the underclass

  • The underclass is a core group of unemployed young people who have no interest in finding jobs and working hard

    • He linked African Americans and Hispanics to the underclass in the United States.

• Marxist approaches

  • Marxists hold that sexism and racism are a natural part of capitalism

  • Working-class women and members of ethnic minorities are among the groups that make up a labour reserve

    • They can be hired to work during economic booms when capitalism needs them and fired during recessions

    • Workers know they can be readily replaced if they demand a pay increase, so they keep wages low