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Diversity
denied? Research reveals a 'hidden' community's neglected needs
10
October 2003
A study into the
housing experiences of England’s Somali population calls into
question whether local and national policies are adequately
addressing some of the most basic needs of the country’s diverse
ethnic communities.
A report launched today (10 October) at London’s City Hall by
researchers from Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for
Regional Economic and Social Research reveals a worrying picture
of ‘a hidden society…[where] extreme levels of deprivation and
disadvantage are commonplace’.
The report’s findings are based on five urban case studies of
known Somali populations in London (Tower Hamlets and Ealing) and
the cities of Sheffield, Liverpool and Bristol, using existing
data sources, literature and research evidence, input from local
authority officers, group discussions with Somali community group
leaders and focus group sessions with key subgroups of the
population.
In each case, the researchers found clear evidence that Somalis
were being disadvantaged by broad brush official definitions of
their ethnicity that served to deny their distinct practical and
cultural needs. Somali lives and experiences are revealed to be
shaped by a unique combination of factors - culture, language,
religious beliefs and practises, history of settlement – that
are being denied by the shoe-horning of the Somali population into
wider ethnic categories such as ‘African Caribbean’ or
‘Black African’,
According to Mohammed Abdullah, Co-ordinator of the Sahil Housing
Association,
‘This report provides solid evidence and should be essential
reading for local authorities and housing associations in towns
and cities wherever Somali people are living {and} represents the
beginning, rather than the end, of a concerted effort to recognise
and respond to the needs of the Somali population in Britain.’
Britain’s Somali population dates back over a century in many
areas, notably port cities such as Cardiff, East London, Bristol
and Liverpool, where seamen often settled. Later in the last
century many moved on to work in heavy industry in areas such as
Birmingham, Sheffield and Derby. The population has grown with the
arrival of women and children from 1960 onwards and with the flow
of individuals seeking sanctuary from violent civil unrest and
conflict later in the twentieth century.
According to the report’s authors, Ian Cole and David Robinson,
‘The, evidence we present in this report suggests that the
rhetoric of recognising diversity has not yet been fully
translated into practice – certainly not for the Somali
community.
‘Progress is being made towards recognising diversity in British
society building on experiences as varied as the Stephen Lawrence
inquiry and recent race relations legislation. Gradual
improvements in understanding of minority ethnic housing needs and
the increasing development of discrete local minority ethnic
housing strategies suggest a serious effort to sensitise housing
services to ethnic diversity within society both nationally and
locally. But recognising diversity demands more than blanket
policies. The diverse needs and requirements of different groups
need to be recognised and appreciated.’
‘This report reveals how the needs and aspirations of some
groups are being denied. The consequences for these hidden groups
can be significant. Targeted provision focusing on minority ethnic
needs is often insensitive to hidden groups, resource allocation
often bypasses organisations working with these groups and
boundaries are in danger of being constructed between different
minority ethnic communities as they scramble for recognition and
resources.’
‘Minority ethnic communities do have shared experiences – in
particular, of racism – but pursuing equality, in housing as in
any policy realm, also demands that diversity is recognised.’
Notes for editors:
1. Ian Cole and David Robinson are launching their report at an
event co-ordinated by Sahil Housing Association and attended by
Rageh Omaar (BBC), Ken Livingstone (Mayor Of London), Eric
Ollerenshaw (GLA) and representatives of various other agencies,
including the Housing Corporation, as well as the Somali
communities involved . The launch is being held in the GLA City
Hall on Friday 10 October and commences at 11am. Ian and David
will be speaking at 11.20am.
2. The researchers can be contacted for comment or interview on
Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 October (from 11am) on 0114 225 3487.
Press queries on Friday 10 October should be directed to Laura
Mark on 0114 225 4187
3. The research was funded by the Housing Corporation, (0207 393
2095), and delivered in partnership with Sahil Housing
Association(020 7249 7227)
4. The new report, Somali Housing Experience in England by Ian
Cole and David Robinson, can be obtained from CRESR, Sheffield
Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB (tel 0114 225
3073) or http://www.shu.ac.uk/cresr/pub/index.html
For further information: Laura Mark, head of
public relations, Sheffield Hallam University, on 0114 225 4187
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