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Attitudes towards ethnicity

Britain has long been culturally and ethnically diverse, although this varies across the country. As global population movements become more frequent, the UK is likely to become more diverse in future. British society is increasingly tolerant of diversity and multiculturalism. In 2005, 62% of the population said they believed multiculturalism makes Britain a better place to live. [1] In attempts to value difference, the Government has introduced policies that emphasise multiculturalism and social cohesion. Despite the increase in diversity and tolerance, concern about immigration has risen in the last decade. (See attitudes towards immigrants.)

What are the implications?

• Managing diversity to minimise social fragmentation in society is likely to become a bigger challenge.
• The VCS‘s response to issues of ethnic and cultural diversity could have a significant impact on the future of social cohesion in Britain and the development of civil society as the ‘good’ society.
• High levels of poverty and inequality and competition for resources, particularly locally (see driver on inequalities between local areas), are often a cause of tension between ethnic groups.
• The growth of a political agenda around ‘Britishness’ identity and citizenship and changing concepts of Britishness.
• A move away from potentially dangerous identity politics.
• Risk of overemphasis on integration to the detriment of recognising ethnic, cultural and religious diversity.
• Possible creation of stronger, more cohesive communities at a time where global population movements are more fluid and populations increasingly transient.
• Attitudes towards immigrants may deteriorate if immigrants are perceived as not able/willing to integrate or take on ‘British’ values.

Moving forward

Social cohesion relies on getting the difficult balance between diversity and unity right.  Where this is not achieved there is a risk of marginalisation and inequality.

• What relationship does your organisation have with other groups and/or different communities? 
• Does your organisation have a role to play in addressing inequality and giving a voice to marginalised communities and groups?
• Can you provide activities that contribute to a cohesive and inclusive society?

VCOs are good at building social capital especially ‘bonding social capital’ where ties are built between people with a common identity.

• Can your organisation also generate’ bridging social capital’ – building ties amongst people who are different from each other?
•  Could you for instance hold joint events or form and join networks and partnerships?
•  Does your organisation have a role to play in a campaigning or advocacy capacity with different ethnic groups or immigrants to combat negative attitudes amongst the public and popular press?
•  In the future, will your service users be from a wider variety of ethnic backgrounds and will they have different needs?

As the UK becomes more diverse, your organisation will need to think about the impact diversity has on the accessibility of its services. This will be particularly challenging for organisations in geographical areas that are not traditionally ethnically diverse but which absorb new immigrant communities

• For example, are you able to deliver your products and services in a number of languages

Want to know more?

UK majority back multiculturalism

Published by: BBC News

Date: 2005

Format: Web

What is it? An article that gives a detailed summary of the Ipsos MORI ‘multiculturalism poll’.

How useful is this? This article summarises the findings of the Ipsos MORI poll on multiculturalism. A booster survey of 204 British Muslims was also conducted for comparison of attitudes. It includes statistics and data on British attitudes towards national identity and pride, tolerance and terrorism.

Other comments: The article links to the full results of the poll.

[3] Multiculturalism poll, BBC/Ipsos MORI, 2005