The Political Representation of Ethnic Minorities in the UK in Comparative Perspective.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Social Sciences
Abstract
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Publications
Fieldhouse E
(2012)
Introduction: Are British Ethnic Minorities Politically Under-represented?
in Parliamentary Affairs
González-Ferrer A
(2013)
Do Citizenship Regimes Shape Political Incorporation? Evidence from Four European Cities
in European Political Science
Morales L
(2013)
Will We All Hunker Down? The Impact of Immigration and Diversity on Local Communities in Spain
in Journal of Elections, Public Opinion & Parties
Morales L
(2013)
Assessing the Effects of Immigration and Diversity in Europe: Introduction to the Special Issue
in Journal of Elections, Public Opinion & Parties
Sobolewska M
(2013)
Party Strategies and the Descriptive Representation of Ethnic Minorities: The 2010 British General Election
in West European Politics
Sobolewska M
(2012)
Taking Minorities for Granted? Ethnic Density, Party Campaigning and Targeting Minority Voters in 2010 British General Elections
in Parliamentary Affairs
| Description | During the series we found that minority candidates face difficulties at the selection stage, penalties in the electoral contest and have to walk a tight rope between their ethnic origin and strategies of fitting in. We identified the roots of these difficulties in the persistent socio-economic disadvantage of ethnic minorities in Britain, but also their specific geographical concentration in larger than average, deprived urban constituencies where Labour holds the balance of power without much real electoral competition. These disadvantages manifest themselves in both local politics and national politics. We identified areas of progress, such as efforts by the main political parties to centrally increase diversity of candidates and the closing of the gap in political participation levels between majority and minorities. We also reflected on areas which still need hold minorities back, such as lack of political support among the majority voters for Muslim candidates. |
| Exploitation Route | The series helped participating scholars shape and develop a research agenda for studying ethnic representation. This is being taken forward in further research including an EU funded project on pathways to representation. For political parties and practitioners this series raised awareness of the barriers to representation for minority citizens aspiring to become political representatives. |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy |
| Description | 'UK-Obama'? : assessing the electoral prospects for ethnic minority candidates to achieve national executive office in Britain? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The concluding conference took place in May 2011 in London (Westminster) was co-organised with the Hansard Society. The conference examined the political and institutional context surrounding the representation of ethnic minorities. Legislators with an ethnic background were included in the debate to give a practitioner perspective and academic evaluation for the prospects for a UK Barack Obama being elected assessed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | Electoral context I : the role of the electorate in selecting minority candidates : public opinion and electoral preferences |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Assessed the impact of racial and anti-immigrant prejudice on white voters and whether public acceptance of ethnic minorities has changed over time. The methodological challenges of measuring racial attitudes, where prevailing social norms may encourage dishonest responses. This seminar was attended by 19 people plus the core group of applicants. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | Electoral context II : the impact of electoral institutions and political parties |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This seminar studied the extent to which electoral institutions, party systems and forms of party organisation serve as a barrier to minority representation. The role of parties as gatekeepers in the process of candidate selection was debated along with the relevance of their internal structure and policies as barriers to ethnic minorities gaining elected office. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | The role of institutional and policy contexts in ethnic political representation : are multicultural models the solution? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This seminar focused on the impact of citizenship regimes and policy approaches to ethnic and migrant minorities' incorporation for the promotion of their political representation. Papers examined the policies and wider institutional environment (i.e. parliament, local government, the media) that shape the opportunities for ethnic minorities to integrate into mainstream politics. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | The social and economic foundations of ethnic minority political representation : residential segregation, social cohesion and economic incorporation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Examined the social and economic foundations of ethnic minority political representation. The seminar provided an insight into the social and economic conditions that affect ethnic and migrant minorities' capacity to gain political representation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |