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Addressing institutional racism: comparing the responses of the police and university in Midshire to the MacPherson report

Pilkington, A. (2004) Addressing institutional racism: comparing the responses of the police and university in Midshire to the MacPherson report. LATISS: Learning and Teaching in the Social Sciences. 1(2), pp. 107-120. 1740-5866.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: The Macpherson Report argued that all major organizations in British society were characterized by institutional racism. This paper examines the response of two organizations, a police force and a university, to this charge. Although earlier studies suggested that Midshire Police and Midshire University exemplified good practice in race and community relations, it is argued here that neither organization has responded to Macpherson by engaging in serious reflection on its institutional culture and significantly changing its routine practices. Both organizations have dealt with issues relating to race by delegating responsibility for these matters to a particular person/body and then effectively ignoring them so that attention can be diverted back to what they consider their core business. In comparison to the police, what is striking about the academy is the lack of pressure to respond to the charge of institutional racism and the remarkable lack of activity in this area. A predominantly colour- and culture-blind approach to widening participation and equal opportunities has persisted
Additional Information: RAE2008 UoA45
Subjects: L Education > LC Special aspects of Education > LC212 Discrimination in education
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV7551 Police. Detectives. Constabulary > HV8130 By region or country > HV8195 Great Britain
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > HM1001 Social psychology > HM1176 Social influence. Social pressure > HM1271 Multiculturalism. Diversity. Toleration
H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > HT1501 Races. Race relations
Creators: Pilkington, Andrew
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities
Date: 1 September 2004
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 107-120
Journal or Publication Title: LATISS: Learning and Teaching in the Social Sciences
Volume: 1
Number: 2
Language: English
ISSN: 1740-5866
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/132

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