The Life and Times of Institutional Racism

In: Race & class: a journal on racism, empire and globalisation, Band 43, Heft 2, S. 7-22

Abstract

Maintains that racism in GB was viewed as either psychological misunderstanding or culture clash until a 1999 report found widespread institutional racism. The history of race theorizing is traced, noting a post-1972 shift in research from black people to white institutions. Examination of the Race Relations Act of 1976, which outlawed indirect discrimination in employment, education, housing, & provision of goods, contends that it was not enough to stem growing discontent among blacks or prevent the 1981 Brixton riot. It is argued that the report of a judicial inquiry whitewashed the rioting, set back analyses of racism, & led to a series of ineffectual antiracist programs. The effects of the 1999 report are discussed. It is maintained that the concept of institutionalized racism is being diluted & ways of dealing with it are being undermined, primarily because of an unwillingness to address state racism that determines race relations in society through immigration/asylum laws & the administration of public services. 37 References. J. Lindroth