Multiculturalism and Anti‐racism in a New ERA: a critical review

What have been the implications of the Education Reform Act 1988 and of subsequent policy developments for multicultural anti‐racist education and for educational equality for minority ethnic groups in England and Wales? Does the change of government signify a change in these regards? These issues are approached by first developing a definition of multicultural anti‐racist education on the basis of a social analysis and a social and educational philosophy. Thus, diversity, inequality and racism, and some of the evidence for them as features of British society, are briefly discussed. Next, educational policy during the last decade, its likely implications for multicultural anti‐racist education and for educational equality for minority ethnic groups, and some relevant evidence are examined. The conclusion is not only that multicultural anti‐racist education has been marginalised and minority ethnic groups poorly served educationally, but that the jury is still out with regard to the New Labour Government. Worrying assumptions underlying policy developments include the equation of life with ‘work’ and of education with preparation for ‘work’. An inclusive and pluralist vision of the future, and targeted policies and programmes alongside universalising ones are needed.