how far was racism a dominant feature of British society from 1958 to 1979

Introduction:

Racism was a significant and persistent feature of British society between 1958 and 1979, visible in public attitudes, media, housing, policing, and employment. However, while it was widespread, it was not universally accepted or uncontested. Efforts to challenge racism—through activism, legislation, and gradual cultural change—also gained momentum in this period. Therefore, racism was a dominant barrier for many ethnic minorities, but it coexisted with increasing resistance and reform.

Point 1: Racism Was Evident in Public Attitudes and Violence

Evidence:

• Notting Hill Riots (1958) and Bristol Bus Boycott (1963) highlight violent and institutional racism.

• Enoch Powell’s “Rivers of Blood” speech in 1968 received over 100,000 letters of support.

• Racial attacks and everyday discrimination were common in housing and social spaces.

Explain:
These events show that racism was not just institutional—it was embedded in public attitudes. Powell’s popularity reflected deep anxiety about immigration among white Britons.

Counter:
Although Powell had significant support, many political leaders, including Edward Heath, dismissed his views. Anti-racism demonstrations and support for the Bristol Bus Boycott showed growing opposition to overt racism.

Link:
Public racism was widespread and socially acceptable in many areas, showing it was a dominant social feature, especially in working-class communities and the press.

Point 2: Institutional Racism Was Embedded in Housing and Employment

Evidence:

• Immigrants were often forced into overcrowded, poor-quality housing due to “No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish” policies by landlords.

• Ethnic minorities were overrepresented in low-paid, insecure jobs, and faced discrimination in promotion and hiring.

Explain:
Racism wasn’t just cultural—it had material consequences, keeping minorities in disadvantaged economic positions and limiting upward mobility.

Counter:
Some immigrant communities built strong support networks and self-help housing associations (e.g., Southall and Brixton). Economic advancement did occur for some, especially in the second generation.

Link:
These patterns show how racism was structural, not just individual prejudice, and shaped key aspects of daily life

Point 3: Government Response Was Often Limited or Inconsistent

Evidence:

• Immigration Acts (1962, 1968, 1971) introduced increasingly strict controls aimed at non-white immigrants.

• Race Relations Acts (1965, 1968, 1976) banned public and workplace discrimination but were poorly enforced until the late 1970s.

Explain:
The government often reacted to white backlash rather than protecting minority rights. Early anti-discrimination laws were weak and excluded key areas like housing and employment until 1976.

Counter:
By the late 1970s, the Commission for Racial Equality and stronger legislation signalled a more proactive stance, and some politicians like Roy Jenkins promoted “cultural pluralism.”

Link:
Government policy was often shaped by racism rather than challenging it, reinforcing the idea that racism was a dominant institutional feature.

Point 4: Cultural Resistance and Minority Activism Grew

Evidence:

• The Southall Youth Movement and the Rock Against Racism campaign in the late 1970s.

• Growth of Black cultural identity and activism (e.g., New Cross Fire protests in 1981 were rooted in this earlier activism).

Explain:
Though racism was dominant, it sparked significant grassroots resistance. Activists created spaces to challenge injustice, especially among second-generation youth.

Counter:
These movements were often marginalised in the media, and their impact was limited in the short term, with far-right groups like the National Front still gaining support.

Link:
This shows that while racism was dominant, it also provoked new forms of resistance, showing British society was not monolithically racist.

Conclusion:

Racism was undeniably a dominant feature of British society between 1958 and 1979. It shaped public opinion, policy, and everyday life for many immigrants and their descendants. However, it was increasingly challenged by activism, legal reform, and a slow shift in cultural attitudes. While not every part of society was racist, and not every institution was equally complicit, racism remained widespread and deeply rooted, making it a defining feature of the period—though not the only one