Revisiting the rural/race debates: A view from the Welsh countryside

Abstract

The analysis of the specific features of rural racism and rural/race issues is a developing field of study. Much of the debate and existing research focuses on demonstrating the “specificity” of rural/race issues and responding to the “rural ethnic subject” as the victim of racial exclusion and/or violence. Drawing on a study conducted in the north of Wales and work on Welsh narratives on race, this article seeks to revisit the rural/race debate and argues for its repositioning within wider discourses of British multiculturalism. It explores the conceptual basis of the rural racism debates, in particular seeking to qualify the notion of the “specificity” of rural/race matters within the context of the newly devolved nations and particular constructions of “the ethnic subject” in rural/race relations. It suggests ways in which the “rural” discourse on race decentres the dominant narratives of multicultural Britain and is contributing to its reformulation.

Keywords:

• Wales
• rural
• racism
• ethnicity
• devolution
• multiculturalism

Notes

1. Williams, C., Hold, M., Turunen, S., Jeffries, J. (2005) The BEST Report: Ethnic Minorities in North Wales: A Mapping Exercise.

2. ‘Fresh Talent Scheme in Scotland’ Sunday Herald ‘Border Control’ 13/02/05.

3. ‘Discrimination against Gypsies and Travellers is the last ‘respectable’ form of racism says the CRE’. 02/04/2004. cre.gov.uk.

4. The Partnership consists of four major voluntary bodies within Wales: The Scarman Trust, The Minority Ethnic Women's Network, the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association and The Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales.

5. Week in Week Out October 2003.

6. ‘Worker jailed for CD row killing’ BBC News 18/10/05 bbc.co.uk.

7. Names have been changed.

8. Western Mail 20/03/03.

9. ‘Welsh English Racism Concern’ Western Mail 18/05/05.

10. ‘PM speaks out after estate violence’ BBC news 25/06/05; ‘Peer's Racism Claim over Riots’ BBC News 29/06/03 bbc.co.uk.

11. ‘Wrexham Disturbances’ http://news.bbc.co.uk 26 June 2003

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Charlotte Williams

CHARLOTTE WILLIAMS is Professor of Social Justice at Keele University.