NCJ Number
229462
Date Published
2009
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This chapter uses a case study of youth work in Oldham, England, in order to examine the implications of the British Government's post-riot (Oldham was the site of a 2001 riot) policy emphasis on "Community Cohesion."
Abstract
"Community Cohesion," which was coined as a term in government publications only after the 2001 riots in Great Britain, reflects a number of key policy themes. First, it recognizes that ethnic segregation is real and growing in the United Kingdom, causing tension and mutual fear. Second, community and individual "agency" and "responsibility" have a key role in accepting and deepening this segregation. Third, the problematic nature of over-developed "bonding" in social capital has occurred in the absence of forms of "bridging" contact between racial/ethnic groups. Fourth, past "race relations" policy approaches have had negative, unintended consequences. Based on the aforementioned themes, the policy of "Community Cohesion" aims to diminish multiculturalism that emphasizes differences and diversity in aiming for bonding across racial/ethnic groups based in common values and a commitment to an equal sharing of and participation in the country's socioeconomic resources. The intent is that although cultural diversity will continue to be recognized and appreciated, under the policy of "Community Cohesion" diversity will not supersede an emphasis on common values, common needs, and common participation in the socioeconomic benefits of the United Kingdom. The field research among youth workers in Oldham showed a clear consensus that "Community Cohesion" means the promotion and facilitation by youth workers of "meaningful direct contact" among youth of different ethnic backgrounds.