White working-class neighbourhoods: Common themes and policy suggestions
What does it mean to be white and working class in modern Britain? This paper: ? identifies common findings from JRF research into traditionally white estates, in the context of other similar work; ? suggests how issues of white identity can be better understood and makes recommendations for policy and practice. Key points ? Profound economic and social change has increased isolation and fear in traditionally white estates. Residents often claim that things were better in the past. ? ?Estatism? refers to specific social dynamics associated with council estates and prejudice towards residents based on where they live. This can result in lowered self-esteem and reluctance to participate in community campaigns. ? People on traditionally white estates often feel they are not listened to by outside agencies. Consultations can raise hopes but ultimately reinforce disengagement. Initiatives to ensure equality have become associated with political correctness (?PC?).
