Race still an issue in British society: Study
11 Oct 2010
An official report titled How fair is Britain, by the UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission has bared iniquities in British society across race, sex, colour and other divides. The report shows that while some inequalities are still prevalent, there are more challenges ahead as the country's population becomes older and more ethnically and religiously diverse.
According to the study there exist "five great gateways" to opportunity – revolving around well-being, education, work, security and voice in society that could benefit millions with the lifting or barriers. The commission says, these should be the basis to judge "fairness" in public policy.
The report says regarding health, the rich outlive the poor by seven years and in education boys are trailing girls by a significant margin. Girls outperform boys at ages 5 - 16 and degree level. However, Indian and Chinese origin students are racing far ahead of the rest at school.
As regards criminal justice, there seems to be much prejudice against gypsy and traveller communities that have become a prominent feature of Britain's jails. Within society, ageing women have a 50-per cent chance of becoming a carer before they turn 59.
According to Trevor Phillips, chair of the commission, in the 21st century there are still "gateways to opportunity that appear permanently closed, no matter how hard they try; while others seem to have been issued with an 'access all areas' pass at birth".
Though the distinctions were more marked in the past, they seem to be more nuanced today and race does matter still along with heritage.
