how far do you agree that attitudes towards immigrants changed in the years 1945-79

Introduction:

Attitudes towards immigrants in Britain between 1945 and 1979 did change, but not in a linear or consistently positive direction. While there was early post-war acceptance driven by economic need, this shifted over time into hostility and scapegoating, especially during periods of economic downturn. Some improvements in social acceptance and legal protection occurred by the late 1970s, but negative attitudes remained widespread, particularly among working-class communities and in the press. Therefore, while some change occurred, it was partial and uneven

oint 1: Early Post-War Period Saw Acceptance Out of Necessity

Evidence:

• After WWII, Britain welcomed workers from the Commonwealth to help rebuild the economy (e.g. Windrush generation in 1948).

• Immigrants worked in key sectors like the NHS, transport, and manufacturing, and were often encouraged to settle.

Explain:
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, pragmatic economic needs created a window of acceptance. Immigrants were seen as contributors to national recovery.

Counter:
Acceptance was often conditional and did not reflect deeper social inclusion—many immigrants still faced racism, housing discrimination, and segregation.

Link:
This shows attitudes were shaped by economic factors, not necessarily by cultural openness or long-term acceptance.

Point 2: Rising Hostility in the 1960s and 70s

Evidence:

• Notting Hill riots (1958) and Smethwick election (1964) revealed growing resentment, especially in working-class areas.

• Enoch Powell’s “Rivers of Blood” speech (1968) tapped into widespread fears and led to public support for tighter immigration controls.

Explain:
As immigration increased and economic conditions worsened, racial tensions grew, and attitudes hardened. Immigrants were often blamed for housing shortages and unemployment.

Counter:
Not all public opinion turned hostile. Anti-racism groups and community support also grew, especially among younger and more liberal segments of society.

Link:
This period marked a clear shift from tolerance to suspicion, driven by social pressures and racialised political discourse.

oint 3: Government Policies Reflected and Reinforced Changing Attitudes

Evidence:

• The 1962, 1968, and 1971 Immigration Acts restricted entry, especially for non-white Commonwealth citizens.

• The 1976 Race Relations Act addressed discrimination but came only after years of campaigning.

Explain:
Government policy increasingly reflected a desire to control immigration, often responding to public pressure rather than moral leadership. At the same time, legal protections were introduced to improve race relations, showing a contradiction in official attitudes.

Counter:
Legislation like the Race Relations Acts also suggests that some elements of society were pushing for greater fairness and inclusion.

Link:
Policy mirrored shifting public sentiment—initial openness gave way to defensive, restrictive policies, showing changing national attitudes.

Point 4: Cultural and Social Integration Remained Limited

Evidence:

• Surveys in the 1970s showed persistent public unease about mixed neighbourhoods and interracial relationships.

• Media representations often reinforced negative stereotypes, though some positive portrayals (e.g. Mind Your Language, Love Thy Neighbour) began to emerge—though these were often problematic.

Explain:
Despite the passage of time, many immigrants remained culturally marginalised. Social integration was slow, and prejudices remained embedded in public consciousness.

Counter:
Younger generations born in Britain (second-generation immigrants) began to challenge stereotypes and create new cultural identities, especially by the late 1970s.

Link:
Although some changes in perception occurred, deep-rooted prejudice and segregation meant that attitudinal shifts were limited in scope.

Conclusion:

Attitudes towards immigrants in Britain between 1945 and 1979 did change, but largely in response to economic and political conditions. Early acceptance gave way to growing hostility in the 1960s and 70s, and while legislation and activism promoted some progress, negative attitudes remained entrenched in many parts of society. Therefore, the extent of change was limited and inconsistent, suggesting only a partial shift in public and political attitudes towards immigration.