seven - The role of confidence and identity in civic participation: exploring ethnic group differences

Summary

Introduction

This chapter is based on findings from national research commissioned by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), which aimed to explore differences between ethnic groups in terms of levels of non-political civic participation, and the motivations and barriers to civic participation (Ahmad and Pinnock, 2007). The research included 77 participants from various ethnic groups taking part in focus groups across the UK, and 10 semi-structured interviews with representatives of various public institutions (for example, faith institutions, Local Strategic Partnerships, and the Race Equality Council). Ethnic group differences in civic participation will be explored here in terms of differential levels of confidence; some minority ethnic groups may be less likely to utilise civic participation opportunities due to lowered confidence on two levels: (i) an individual level and (ii) a community level. This argument is contrary to current British political discourse, which draws on an ‘integration’ agenda. Inherent within this discourse is the assumption that a more harmonious society will result from individuals from different ethnic groups having closer contact with one another. While on the surface this assumption does not appear to be harmful to British civic life, a deeper unpacking may reveal more. Within an integration agenda, policy drives and both local and national initiatives flourish in order to integrate those within minority ethnic groups into the broader ‘British’ society. Media attention turns its lens on the geographical locations of minority ethnic groups, constructing ethnic group-based ‘ghettos’, ‘gangs’ and ‘no-go areas’ (for example, Gibson, 2005; Jun, 2005; Leapman, 2006; Elgin, 2007). Punitive methods of policy making evolve, where, for example, the lack of English language skills in some groups is addressed with punishment tactics. Thus, the integration agenda brings with it moralistic connotations, where an ethnic group presence or indeed ‘identity’ is viewed negatively, and the onus to integrate is placed firmly within the minority groups, rather than the indigenous majority. This chapter will argue that identity plays a central role in the dynamics of civic participation among minority ethnic groups.

Arguably, that some minority ethnic groups show lower levels of civic participation cannot be denied. A series of citizenship surveys (in 2001, 2003 and 2005) carried out by government departments provides testimony to this.