Race and Ethnicity
Race refers to a local geographic or global human population distinguished as a more or less distinct group by genetically transmitted physical characteristics.In contarst, ethnicity represents social groups with a shared history, sense of identity, geography and cultural roots which may occur despite racial difference
Yor-OK
The Children and Young People’s Plan has a priority, which commits to promoting and enabling an inclusive city.
Priority 22: Make sure that a commitment to equalities underpins everything we do by:
- delivering fair services and achieving equitable life outcomes for all children and young people, whilst respecting diverse needs and aspirations;
- recognising that equality is not about treating everyone the same. Children and young people can only achieve their absolute potential if diversity is recognised, valued and supported;
- concentrating support on those children, young people and families struggling against disadvantage and discrimination;
- fulfilling our legal duties in relation to gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, religion and belief, and age.
Facts and Figures
If York had just 100 children 93 would be white British and 7 would be from ethnic minorities, most probably White European, Asian or Chinese.
York is changing rapidly. In 1991 the census reported that there were approximately 2% Black and minority ethnic (BME) residents in York (of these half were of Irish origin).
The 2001 census showed that the numbers had risen to 4.9%; the 2003 population estimate put the figure at 6.1%. The largest BME group in York is ‘white other’ – people of European, Turkish, Kurdish or Middle Eastern origin. Gypsies and Travellers are also included in this category. They make up one of the larger BME communities in York, living either in conventional housing or on one of the three Traveller sites in York.
Below is a table of the ethnic demographic of York.
| Ethnicity (2006 Estimate) | Number | % |
| All persons | 191800 | 100% |
| White British | 174500 | 90.98% |
| White Irish | 1300 | 0.68% |
| White Other | 6600 | 3.44% |
| White non-British TOTAL | 7900 | 4.12% |
| Mixed White / Caribbean | 500 | 0.26% |
| Mixed White / African | 200 | 0.10% |
| Mixed White / Asian | 700 | 0.36% |
| Mixed Other | 500 | 0.26% |
| Mixed TOTAL | 1900 | 0.99% |
| Asian Indian | 1500 | 0.78% |
| Asian Pakistani | 800 | 0.42% |
| Asian Bangladeshi | 600 | 0.31% |
| Asian Other | 700 | 0.36% |
| Asian TOTAL | 3600 | 1.88% |
| Black Caribbean | 400 | 0.21% |
| Black African | 700 | 0.36% |
| Black other | 100 | 0.05% |
| Black TOTAL | 1200 | 0.63% |
| Chinese | 1800 | 0.94% |
| Other | 1100 | 0.57% |
| Chinese / Other TOTAL | 2900 | 1.51% |
| Total BME | 17500 | 9.12% |
Estimated to the nearest 100 people. Based on 2006 estimate figures from Office of National Statistics.
The 2001 census showed that the numbers had risen to 4.9%, the 2003 population estimate put the figure at 6.1%. The largest BME group in York is ‘white other’ – people of European, Turkish, Kurdish or Middle Eastern origin. Gypsies and Travellers are also included in this category. They make up one of the larger BME communities in York, living either in conventional housing or on one of the three Traveller sites in York.
The demographic changes York is experiencing offer great opportunities and challenges to a city. The vast majority of BME people coming to York are doing so to work or study. They are bringing skills and experience to the city and filling jobs that local industries rely on (e.g. tourism, catering and agriculture).
The age profile of BME residents is also much younger than white British. This means that BME people will make an even bigger contribution to the pool of working age people in York, and will offer valuable skills to the city in the future. Social exclusion and segregation however are areas where we need to pay particular attention. This is why it is so important that public services are accessible and inclusive to promote equality and cohesion in the city.
Launched in January 2005, the Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society strategy sets out the Government's commitment to create strong, cohesive communities in which every individual, whatever their racial or ethnic origin, is able to fulfil their potential through the enjoyment of equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities.
The Law
The Race Relations Act became law in 1976 and was amended in 2000 (by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 after the Stephen Lawrence enquiry) and again in 2003 via an EU directive. It places a general statutory duty on all public authorities when carrying out their functions, to have 'due regard' to the need to:
- eliminate unlawful racial discrimination
- eliminate unlawful racial harassment (violating someone’s dignity or creating an environment that is intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive to someone based on their perceptions, not other people’s)
- promote equality of opportunity
- promote good relations between people of different racial groups
The act applies on grounds of race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), or ethnic or national origin. All racial groups are protected from discrimination (including Gypsy’s and Travellers – they are a recognised ethnic group). It applies to employment and services, goods and facilities.
For more thorough information please download the ‘Summary of ethnicity legislation’ produced by the City of York Council Equalities team.
Useful Web links
York Racial Equality Network (YREN) is a local group working to promote awareness of the needs of black and minority ethnic people in the York area. They also provide independent, impartial information and mutual support to individuals who are experiencing racial harassment, victimisation, discrimination or isolation. Contact Tel: 01904 642600 or info@yren.co.uk.
The Inter Faith Network for the UK was founded in 1987 to promote good relations between people of different faiths in this country. Its member organisations include representative bodies from the Baha'i; Buddhist; Christian; Hindu; Jain; Jewish; Muslim; Sikh; and Zoroastrian communities; national and local inter faith bodies; and academic institutions and educational bodies concerned with inter faith issues.
The Commission for Equalities and Human Rights is a useful website to check out legislation requirements, codes of practice and get an idea of what the big issues for disabled people are.
The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) is at the heart of information policy, setting standards, delivering access and encouraging the re-use of public sector information. OPSI provides a wide range of services to the public, information industry, government and the wider public sector relating to finding, using, sharing and trading information.
The Government Equalities Office has responsibility within Government for equality strategy and legislation and take the lead on issues relating to women, sexual orientation and transgender equality matters.
