Rethinking the Politics of Race: Participation, Representation and Identity in Birmingham

Abstract

One of the most interesting features of contemporary race relations in Britain is the question of the changing relationship between minority communities and political institutions. By political institutions we refer to a wide range of structures, including political parties, local and central government and community based organizations. It is therefore of some interest in the context of this particular book to reflect on these developments and their impact on the political inclusion and exclusion of minority communities in urban political life. In developing the key arguments of this chapter we shall draw on a project conducted in Birmingham during the period from 1989 to 1993 on race, politics and social change in Birmingham,¹ although we shall also refer to other related research to contextualize our arguments.