Research watch: comment on a report on “race” and ethnic disparities in the UK

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the contents of the 2021 UK document called Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities: The Report, convey some of its key messages and understand why it sparked controversy when its publication was announced.

Design/methodology/approach

The author read the 258-page report, made notes, looked up some of the papers and documents to which it refers to get a more complete understanding and conducted her own limited searches on some topics. The author sought comments on an early draft of the article.

Findings

After reading The Report and other relevant documents, the author feels that she has gained new insights into some challenges and opportunities facing members of different ethnic groups in the UK. However, the author felt that The Report plays down some realities of racism and its effects.

Originality/value

This is one viewpoint on The Report and is original. The Report looks at the circumstances of a range of specific ethnic groups in the UK. Its argument for greater interest and focus on these different experiences rather than thinking of all non-White groups as a single mass seems valuable. It also enables an understanding of some things that people can achieve in the face of adversity. However, the author hopes there is also value in my effort to understand why some aspects of The Report have been seen as controversial.

Citation

Holttum, S. (2021), "Research watch: comment on a report on “race” and ethnic disparities in the UK", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 218-226. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-05-2021-0020