Main navigation

Facts

Social Exclusion is not linked to ethnicity

18 June 2007

In response to suggestions that social exclusion is linked to ethnicity, Cabinet Minister for Social Exclusion, Hilary Armstrong said:

“Reaching Out: Think Family does not suggest that ‘race is a reason for dysfunctional families and social problems’ as reported today. In fact, the report shows that 95% of families headed by a black mother manage to avoid the multiple problems associated with deep–seated social exclusion.

“Social exclusion is not about family types or ethnic background, its about complex, multiple disadvantages that a tiny minority of families face, such as worklessness, poverty, poor quality housing, low skills and mental health problems.

“What the report says is that the small minority of families experiencing five or more disadvantages is not a homogenous group, and that their diverse needs can only be met by a more flexible and personalised system of support. This is relevant to Black families, as it is to all other ethnic and social groups and family types.”

For more information on the ‘Reaching Out: Think Family’ review