Introduction

Abstract

The subordinate position of Britain’s Black population, particularly within the labour market, has been well documented both theoretically and empirically over the past four decades. This book does not attempt to refute the conclusions of the broad body of work which highlights the fact that, since the late 1940s Black labour has been channelled and contained within the least favourable sectors of the economy, where movement out of these areas has been retarded by racism. What this book does attempt to do is to follow on from the analysis of those who have, over the years, sought to gain a clearer understanding of the class position of Britain’s Black population. The primary aim will be, firstly, to develop the argument that racism not only plays a significant role in serving to structure the objective class position of Black labour in Britain, but also serves to determine and shape the type and form of political consciousness generated by Black labour. This relationship will be examined via an investigation of the concept of structural racism and its impact upon Black workers (Afro-Caribbeans) who occupy positions within the ‘objectively defined middle class’. Secondly, to highlight the diverse effects of structural racism as it operates to determine the structural position of Black labour in both the labour market and the British class structure. Thirdly, all that is currently said to be known about Britain’s Black middle class can be said to be assumed rather than based on fact.