Race, rurality and representation: Black and minority ethnic mothers’ experiences of their children’s education in rural primary schools in England, UK

Abstract

There is little research that has examined the role of mothers in their children's education in the rural space of the school, particularly in relation to the experiences of Black and minority ethnic (BME) families who are newcomers to the rural space. This article attempts to redress the balance and examine how BME mothers are positioned in rural primary schools in England (UK) which are predominantly White. This article is based on 20 in-depth interviews conducted with mothers who identified themselves as Black or from a minority ethnic background (India, Pakistan or Bangladesh). All of the respondents had moved into the areas in the last 10 years. The findings from this research suggest that mothers are active agents in the education of their children; however, their experiences reveal that within the White space of the school they are positioned as ‘other’ and ‘outsiders’ as they navigate the diasporic space of the White countryside.

Keywords:

• social theory
• sociology
• citizenship
• equality
• identities

Notes

1. All names used are pseudonyms to protect the identity of the schools and the respondents.

2. OFSTED is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills in England. OFSTED is an independent body which reports directly to Parliament. The main role of OFSTED is to inspect and regulate services which care for children and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages (see http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/about-us).

3. For a further discussion of positionality, see Bhopal and Myers (2011).

4. ‘Paki’ is a racist derogatory term used in England and is often directed at those from the Indian sub-continent.

5. Twinset and pearls is a stereotype associated most closely with women's wardrobes during the 1950s and 1960s; they are often seen as a traditional form of dress for (White) women. The attire is often associated with the Women's Institute which is a British community-based organisation usually found in countryside villages.

6. ‘Chav’ is a derogatory term used in England to describe those from White working class backgrounds; it is often associated with the wearing of branded clothing and ostentatious jewellery. The term has Anglo Romany origins in the word Chavi meaning child (Bhopal and Myers, 2008).

7. Salwar Kameez is a traditional form of clothing worn by those from the Indian sub-continent. It consists of a tunic and baggy trousers.