Segregation and Integration — And Why They Matter

Abstract

British multiculturalism was based, in principle at least, upon a policy of integration that emphasised the maintenance of immigrants’ ‘national characteristics and culture … in an atmosphere of mutual tolerance’ (Jenkins, 1966). This statement was the only real attempt at any sort of vision for an emerging multicultural society and was made by the then Home Secretary in 1966. This version of integration provided reassurance to the UK’s immigrant community who were frequently subject to harassment, intimidation and discrimination in a post-war Britain just beginning to come to terms with diversity. It was soon to be supported by strong anti-discrimination legislation and a number of positive action programmes to try to ensure some semblance of equal opportunities. Despite the problems, It stood in contrast to the approach of other European countries, notably France and Germany, which appeared to favour assimilation, in the case of France, or the ‘guest worker’ model in which long-term citizenship and rights were denied, as in the case of Germany. However, in common with France and Germany and many other countries, Britain is characterised by segregated areas that reflect the early patterns of settlement and reinforced by later inward migration.