Ethnic Groups In England Research Articles

The Feasibility of Using National Surveys to Derive Samples of Older People from Different Ethnic Groups in Britain: Lessons from ‘Piggy‐Backing’ on the Family Resources Survey

The challenges in sampling older people from minority ethnic backgrounds are considerable. This article assesses critically an approach that involves ‘piggy‐backing’ on an existing national survey in order to generate a sample. It reflects on the experience of a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council under its Growing Older programme that required a representative sample of older people from different ethnic groups, including a control group of ‘white’ majority respondents. The General Household Survey, the British Household Panel Survey, the Fourth National Survey of Ethnic Minorities and the Family Resources Survey (FRS) were assessed for their suitability as ‘host’ surveys. The FRS was eventually selected and further efforts were made to assess its suitability by observing an FRS briefing session for field workers, as well as observing a field worker in action. The process of securing a sample is outlined. The lessons learnt from the experience have wider applicability and raise issues surrounding informed consent, response and attrition rates, as well as time and resource implications.

Religion, mental health and ethnicity. EMPIRIC – A national survey of England

Background: Higher levels of religious involvement are modestly associated with better health, after taking account of other influences. However, most research takes little account of spiritual beliefs that are not tied to personal or public religious practice.Objectives: To compare prevalence and characteristics of religious and spiritual views of life in representative samples of all principal ethnic groups in England and to examine associations between these views and common mental disorders (CMD).Method: Face-to-face interviews with 4281 adults from six ethnic groups living in private households in England. Data were collected on common mental disorders, religious and spiritual beliefs, quality of life, social function and support, and psychotic symptoms.Results: There was no difference in prevalence of CMD between people who were religious and those who were not. However, people who held a spiritual life view but without religious practice were more likely to have CMD (OR = 2.01, CI 1.15, 3.51) than people who held a religious life view, after adjustment for relevant confounding variables.Conclusions: Lack of religious belief was associated with a higher prevalence of CMD, but only in people who reported having a spiritual life view.Declaration of interest: None.

Age at first birth and disadvantage among ethnic groups in Britain

This article examines the relationship between age at first birth and poverty among ethnic minorities in Britain. It is well known that ethnic minorities, particularly Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, have very high rates of family poverty and early fertility. Because it has been established that early motherhood is associated with a high risk of poverty and other disadvantages, it is tempting to link Pakistani and Bangladeshi poverty with their early family formation patterns. We find, however, that age at first birth had little effect on the poverty experienced by ethnic minorities. While the disadvantaged outcomes of teenage motherhood within the white community appear to be associated with the young women's departure from the dominant social norm, when early fertility is the norm in a minority community, it does not lead to any further disadvantage beyond that experienced by the ethnic group as a whole.

New Destinations? Assessing the Post-migration Social Mobility of Minority Ethnic Groups in England and Wales

This paper considers the roles of migration and group-specific ethnic penalties in minority groups’ life chances. In relation to existing knowledge of extensive diversity between ethnic groups, and outlining a range of frameworks within which to understand that diversity, the paper first explores the relationship of class origins to parental educational and economic assets for three groups of migrant parentage and a comparison white non-migrant group. Second, the paper investigates for the different ethnic groups how the probability of having a professional or managerial class outcome is influenced by class origins and by the educational achievements of the “second generation”. Analysis is based on the ONS Longitudinal Study, which enables the study members to be tracked from 1971, when they were children living with their parents, to their own social class outcomes in 1991 and 2001. Because processes of occupational achievement may take different lengths of time for different groups, occupational outcomes are modelled in both 1991 and 2001, and also outcomes in 2001 conditional on position in 1991. The paper shows that there is evidence of differential processes operating for different ethnic groups that go beyond their class background, but which cannot be attributed to discrimination operating equally against all minority groups.

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among ethnic minority groups in England: results of a national household survey

Socio-cultural factors impact on the extent of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide but the relative importance of these factors among people from different ethnic groups in Britain has not been explored. We examined the prevalence of suicidal ideation, the incidence of attempted suicide, and the extent of service utilization following attempted suicide among representative samples of White, Irish, Black Caribbean, Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani individuals living in England. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the EMPIRIC study, a cross-sectional survey of 4281 adults aged 16-74 years, living in private households in England. Lifetime suicidal ideation was generally lower in ethnic minority groups but higher among those born in the UK than those who migrated to England as adults. Risk factors for suicidal ideation have much in common across different ethnic groups; current symptoms of mental distress being the most important. White British and Irish respondents were twice as likely to receive medical attention following attempted suicide than those from other ethnic groups. Services need to adapt in order to ensure that people from ethnic minorities receive appropriate psychological and medical care following attempted suicide.

The Intergenerational Social Mobility of Minority Ethnic Groups

This study examines the intergenerational social mobility of different ethnic groups in Britain between 1971 and 1991.The small body of previous research on intergenerational mobility and ethnicity in Britain has not distinguished between premigration and post-migration social class, and thus has been unable to relate findings directly to studies of intergenerational social mobility or to accounts of the changing class composition of different ethnic groups within Britain. This study, instead, focuses on social mobility between generations as it is experienced by different groups in the same country, over the same time period and over the same age range. Using data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Longitudinal Study, this study describes the different patterns of class mobility experienced by a single cohort of children aged 8-15 in 1971 from each of three ethnic groups: white non-migrants, Indians and Caribbeans. It finds that the impact of class origin varies with ethnicity. However, the impact of ethnicity is less salient in determining outcomes for women than it is for men.

Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Ethnicity in sexually transmitted infections and sexual behaviour research

Ethnicity has been a contentious issue in sexually transmitted infection and HIV research partly because it contributes to the mythology of beliefs that might add to discrimination and partly because it is an apparently potent marker of risk. A study by Kevin Fenton and colleagues in today’s Lancet is a welcome addition to the evidence and provides more light than heat. These investigators provide a comprehensive view of sexual behaviour across ethnic groups in Britain including solid information about differences in sexual behaviour. However sexual behaviour (the zero-order variable underlying the risk of sexually transmitted infection) might also be subject to other ethnocultural variables including religion gender and social class that are at present captured as ethnicity. (excerpt)

Communicating interviews: The experience of research with minority ethnic older people in Britain

Interviewing minority ethnic older people can seem daunting. It is easy for stereotypical views of minority ethnic groups and of older people to lead to pathologising approaches being adopted unwittingly. This article attempts to illuminate several key aspects of conducting interviews with such population groups by drawing partially on the experience of working on a Growing Older project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council of Britain. This project looked at the social network and social support of older people from different ethnic groups in Britain and the relationship between these and their quality of life. The research instrument comprised both structured and unstructured components. Interviews were conducted by a multi‐ethnic team of interviewers speaking a range of community languages. By focussing attention on the interactional nature of interviewing, this article explicates the process of conducting research. Issues pertaining to the choice of language, the use of interpreters, ethnic matching of interviewers and interviewees, the use of standardised instruments and the interview itself as a tool for data‐generation are examined. This article contends that a reflexive approach to methodology can lead to a more robust approach to data by confronting the practical, methodological and ethical issues encountered in doing research with such population groups. The issues raised are not merely in terms of ‘white’ researchers working with ‘non‐white’ respondents, but relate to the improvement of research practice in general regardless of the ethnic background of researcher and respondent.

‘Black like Beckham’? Moving beyond definitions of ethnicity based on skin colour and ancestry

Objectives. The definitions of ethnic status currently employed in, particularly, epidemiological research, tend to focus on skin colour or on perceived historical or ancestral links with certain geographical locations. Neither of these classificatory systems stem from any widely supported theoretical standpoint and their usefulness in terms of explaining any ethnic variation is therefore questionable. In order to enable more informative exploration of ethnicity and its relationship with health and other indicators, a clearer understanding of the processes involved in ethnic identification is required. This paper sets out to explore underlying dimensions which could constitute an ethnic identity across different ethnic groups in England. Design. Principal components factor analyses on the different ethnic groups included in the Ethnic Minority Psychiatric Illness Rates in the Community study: Bangladeshi, Caribbean, Indian, Irish and Pakistani people and a ‘white majority’ group. Results. In each ethnically specific model, three dimensions of ethnic identity were determined; related to multiculturalism, or the sustenance of ethnic difference, racialisation and community participation. In the ethnic minority group models the ‘multiculturalism’ dimension formed two factors: one related to the presentation of oneself as a member of a particular ethnic group and one exploring attitudes towards cultural assimilation. The findings suggested that the processes of ethnic identification are similar across the different ethnic (minority and majority) groups explored, but that there may be important differences within any particular group. Conclusion. The recognition of these dimensions of ethnic affiliation provide us with an opportunity to improve our indicators of ethnic status. Each of these dimensions would appear to be important to the lives of people from different ethnic groups in England. These findings also highlight the important role that external attitudes play in the understanding of what it means to be a member of any ethnic group. This aspect of ethnic affiliation has been ignored by current definitions of ethnicity and this imbalance should be redressed.

Are there Ethnic Enclaves/Ghettos in English Cities?

The residential segregation of ethnic groups in urban areas remains an issue of importance for policy-making in multicultural societies, such as England's, with levels of segregation frequently linked to questions of social exclusion and equal treatment. But how segregated are ethnic groups in England? Most studies answer this question using single indices which address one aspect only of a multidimensional concept. In this paper, an alternative approach is used which identifies residential area types according to the degree of ethnic mixing; we evaluate their relative importance in 18 English cities in the light of Boal and Peach's arguments regarding the processes and patterns involved in segregation. We find little evidence of significant segregation of Black ethnic groups, but more with regard to Asian groups-especially outside London.

Development and validation of a computerized South Asian Names and Group Recognition Algorithm (SANGRA) for use in British health-related studies.

Studies on ethnic variations in health have played an important role in aetiological and health services research. Most routine datasets, however, do not include information on ethnicity. South Asians, one of the largest minority ethnic groups in Britain, have distinctive names that also allow differentiation of the main sub-groups with their important differences in health-related exposures and disease risks. A computerized name recognition algorithm (SANGRA) was developed incorporating directories of South Asian first names and surnames together with their religious and linguistic origin. SANGRA was validated using health-related data with self-ascribed information on ethnicity. SANGRA was successful in recognizing South Asian origin in reference datasets, with sensitivity of 89-96 per cent, specificity of 94-98 per cent, positive predictive value (PPV) of 80-89 per cent and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98-99 per cent. Religious origin was correctly assigned in the majority of cases: sensitivity, specificity and PPV were 94 per cent, 91 per cent and 90 per cent for Hindus; 90 per cent, 99 per cent and 98 per cent for Muslims; and 76 per cent, 99 per cent and 94 per cent for Sikhs. SANGRA correctly identified 76 per cent Gujerati and 70 per cent Punjabi names, although only 62 per cent of Gujerati names were sufficiently distinct to be allocated to the Gujerati-only category and only 53 per cent Punjabi names were allocated to the Punjabi-only category. However, specificity and PPV were high for both languages (respectively 97 per cent and 93 per cent for Gujerati, and 99 per cent and 97 per cent for Punjabi). SANGRA provides a practical and valid method of ascertaining South Asian origin by name and, to a lesser degree of accuracy, of differentiating between the main religious and linguistic subgroups living in Britain. This algorithm will be useful in health-related studies where information on self-ascribed ethnicity is not available or is of a limited nature.

Estimating commuting flows for minority ethnic groups in England and Wales

Various studies have pointed to the persistent labour market disadvantage faced by many individuals from minority ethnic groups in Great Britain. Analyses have also shown that minority ethnic groups remain spatially concentrated in particular parts of the urban and regional system, and that they are over-represented in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. There has been considerable debate about the skills and spatial dimensions to labour market mismatch, and minority ethnic issues have been given particular prominence in the work of the Social Exclusion Unit and Policy Action Teams. However, analysts in Great Britain examining the ethnic minority dimension to the problem of labour market mismatch are hampered by a lack of data, including detailed local information on journey-to-work flows disaggregated by ethnic group. This article is concerned with estimating commuting flows by ethnic group in England and Wales, and using these estimates to examine commuting patterns by ethnic group in 1991 in the context of employment change over the preceding inter-censal period, in order to provide some insights into labour market mismatch.

Perceptions of Barriers to Healthy Physical Activity among Asian Communities

There is clear evidence of inequalities in the health status of minority ethnic groups in Britain. This includes a number of conditions which may be alleviated or prevented through increased levels of physical exercise. Other research has shown lower levels of activity and raised body mass among Asian groups. There remains some scope for argument about the reasons for these differences. It is, for example, suggested that health education materials are poorly targeted at South Asian communities, or that certain cultures discourage involvement in recreational physical activities. It is known that both motivation and self-image are important to physical activity behaviour, from school age upwards. A lifestyle survey sponsored by the Health Education Authority, and qualitative research, provide an opportunity to examine the degree to which there are distinctive 'ethnic' barriers to exercise or other healthy physical activity amongst communities of South Asian origin living in England. While there are many similarities with the reasons given by members of the white population for 'not exercising', there are some subtle differences between communities, and a number of issues which appear to be specific to the minority populations. Some are particular to a religion, gender or generation. Attention to these, including questions of modesty, gender segregation, and safety, would improve the accessibility of recreational activities to this target group. At the same time, it is clear that individuals from these communities are well informed and well motivated, and do take advantage of local facilities when they can. The question of both institutional and personal racism cannot be excluded from a strategy for promoting healthy physical activity; equally, it is important to pay attention to the characteristics of particular communities to gain their confidence. A 'colour-blind' or homogenous approach may be counterproductive.

The New 2001 Census Question Set on Cultural Characteristics: Is it useful for the monitoring of the health status of people from ethnic groups in Britain?

The health of minority ethnic groups has been accorded a priority position in the British government's strategy to improve the population's health, including the provision of the necessary information to address inequalities. The independent Acheson Inquiry has also called for improvements in the capacity to monitor inequalities in health of ethnic groups which requires the use of appropriate ethnic group categories. The new 2001 Census question set includes a substantially revised ethnic group question and a new question on religion which address some of the shortcomings in the 1991 Census question. However, the token breakdown of the white group and its unsatisfactory capture of those of Irish origin, the use of Indian subcontinent groups that ignore ethno-religious differences and have little saliency amongst those being described, and the omission in Scotland of a subdivided white group and the religion question, are important deficiencies. The use of a few pan-ethnic racial groups in the proposed census tables is a major drawback. It is important that these changes are widely debated.

Blood pressure levels and hypertension status among ethnic groups in England.

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and hypertension show wide variability among different ethnic groups in the UK. We combined data collected annually between 1991-1996 in the Health Surveys for England--nationwide surveys that provide information on the health status in a representative sample of the population living in England, to compare blood pressure (BP) levels, hypertension rates (systolic BP > or = 160 mm Hg or diastolic BP > or = 95 mm Hg, or those on antihypertensive medication), hypertension treatment and control rates in people of white, black (combining black-Caribbean, black-African and black-other), and South Asian origin (combining Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis). Analyses were stratified into two age groups, 16-39 (younger) and > or = 40 years (older), but were focused on older adults (30,619 whites, 295 blacks and 529 South Asians). Age-adjusted mean BP levels and hypertension rates of older adults were highest among blacks, while South Asian men showed BP levels and hypertension rates similar to black men and South Asian women had mean BP levels and hypertension rates similar to white women. After controlling for age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, and social class the odds ratio (OR) of being hypertensive among older adults was higher in black men (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4, 2.9; P < 0.001); black women (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2, 2.5; P < 0.01); and South Asian men (1.9; CI 1.4, 2.4; P < 0.001), than in their white counterparts. Among those studied with hypertension, treatment rates were highest among black men and women. Among those on antihypertensive medication, the odds of having BP controlled (SBP < 160 mm Hg and DBP < 95 mm Hg) did not differ among the three groups of older men but was reduced in older South Asian women, compared with white women.

Multiculturalism and Anti‐racism in a New ERA: a critical review

What have been the implications of the Education Reform Act 1988 and of subsequent policy developments for multicultural anti‐racist education and for educational equality for minority ethnic groups in England and Wales? Does the change of government signify a change in these regards? These issues are approached by first developing a definition of multicultural anti‐racist education on the basis of a social analysis and a social and educational philosophy. Thus, diversity, inequality and racism, and some of the evidence for them as features of British society, are briefly discussed. Next, educational policy during the last decade, its likely implications for multicultural anti‐racist education and for educational equality for minority ethnic groups, and some relevant evidence are examined. The conclusion is not only that multicultural anti‐racist education has been marginalised and minority ethnic groups poorly served educationally, but that the jury is still out with regard to the New Labour Government. Worrying assumptions underlying policy developments include the equation of life with ‘work’ and of education with preparation for ‘work’. An inclusive and pluralist vision of the future, and targeted policies and programmes alongside universalising ones are needed.

Trends in growth and obesity in ethnic groups in Britain

AIMTo estimate trends in growth for 5 to 11 year old ethnic minority and inner city children and comparative representative samples from 1983 to 1994.DESIGNMixed longitudinal.SUBJECTSAt each of six surveys,...

Black &amp; Minority Ethnic Groups in England

Black &amp; Minority Ethnic Groups in England

`Black and Ethnic Minority' or `Asian, Black and Other Minority Ethnic': A Further Note on Nomenclature

While accepting that there is no `accurate' or permanent all-embracing nomenclature to describe minority ethnic groups in Britain, I argue in this paper that both the term `black' (a relatively long-standing radical formulation) and `black and ethnic minority' (the emerging sociological orthodoxy?) are problematic concep- tually, sociologically and politically. In making an alternative suggestion, I invite comments for improvement. Implicit in my argument is the suggestion that whatever phrase or term is used, sociologists have a responsibility to explain the assumptions on which any particular categorisation rests. Since I believe in the desirability of ethnic self-definition, I particularly welcome comments from members of groups oppressed on racial grounds.