Understanding "Race" and Ethnicity: Theory, History, Policy, Practice

Many welfare states are now struggling to deal with the issues and tensions raised by the growth of minority ethnic populations and increasing ethnic diversity. The fact that most societies in the developed world are now multicultural raises many challenges for policy and for the delivery of welfare services which most states have yet to address, increasingly retreating into forms of institutional racism to deny minorities the services they need.

Using the UK as an exemplary case study, this much-needed book combines historical and theoretical approaches to the issues of 'race' and ethnicity within welfare provision, including and examination of how minorities experience welfare in a range of service settings. The book inspires new ways of approaching welfare and social policy, in anticipation of a society that is equal, inclusive, fair and just for all, and will make essential reading for students, researchers, practitioners and policy makers.