Social change and policy development Flashcards
What is racism?
Prejudice, discrimination, or resentment by an individual, community or institution against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalised.
Why did policy on racism change?
Well known instances of racism - Stephen Lawrence, George Floyd.
Campaigns - media campaigns and pressure groups - Stephen Lawrence case, BLM campaigns.
Media have made the public aware of instances of racism so people want change.
Increase in popularity of diverse artists/role models e.g. Stormzy, Dave, Diversity and Marcus Rashford.
Societies changing views on racism:
What was the name of the first step towards law change and what did it do?
Race Relations Act 1965 - Prohibited discrimination on the basis of race in public places and established the Race Relations Board where you can pass on discrimination complaints.
What came after the Race relations Act 1965?
Race Relations Act 1968 - Extended the protection against discrimination beyond public places to include, amongst other things, employment and housing.
What came after the Race Relations Act 1968?
Race Relations Act 1976 - Extended the definition of discrimination to include indirect discrimination. Individuals gained the ability to take discrimination complaints directly to civil courts or industrial tribunals.
What comes after the Race Relations Act 1976?
MacPherson Report 1999 - Report done after the racially motivated murder of Stephen Lawrence. the report found that the police were institutionally racist so changes to the structure of the police had to take place.
What comes after the MacPherson Report 1999?
The Equality Act 2010 - Says you must not be discriminated against because of your race.
What comes after the Equality Act 2010 for racism?
2020 BLM movement - The largest movement in both the UK and US on racial discrimination and injustice.
Why has policy on homosexuality changed?
Secularisation - society is now less religious so fewer people fear or believe in God. Ideologies from the Bible are no longer followed and a more tolerant or relaxed attitude ensues.
The social stigma regarding homosexuality has declined so there has been an increase in tolerance and acceptance.
Age is an important factor when considering views on homosexuality - demographic changes. Each new generation develops an enhanced tolerance which moves forward with them. Hence, an ever-growing proportion of society is accepting of homosexuality.
What was homosexuality like in the 16th century?
Homosexual acts were punishable by death.
What were the laws surrounding homosexuality like in the 19th century?
Laws prohibited sexual activity between males.
What happened in the 1950’s regarding homosexuality?
Several high profile arrests for acts of homosexual indecency e.g the Wildeblood scandal.
What is the Wildeblood Scandal?
Peter Wildeblood was arrested alongside 2 others for gross indecency of homosexual activity.
He openly admitted in court that he was gay and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
He was influential in the Wolfenden committee’s decision to review the laws on homosexuality.
What was the first step towards policy change for homosexuality?
The Wolfenden Report was published that stated that law should not intrude in personal matters.
What happened after the Wolfenden Report?
In 1967, homosexuality was decriminalised in England and Wales, with the age of consent of consent for homosexuals being set at 21.
