Recent urban disturbances, concerns about the fate of asylum seekers and renewed debates about the nature of ethnic identity and citizenship have all combined to give ethnic differences a high public and policy profile. This book explores the diverse experiences of ethnic disadvantage and challenges common assumptions.

Introduction ~ David Mason; Changing ethnic disadvantage: an overview ~ David Mason; The demographic characteristics of people from minority ethnic groups in Britain ~ David Owen; Ethnic differentials in educational performance ~ Tariq Modood; Changing patterns of ethnic disadvantage in employment ~ David Mason; Patterns of and explanations for ethnic inequalities in health ~ James Y. Nazroo; Housing black and minority ethnic communities: diversity and constraint ~ Malcolm Harrison; 'All the women are white, all the blacks are men - but some of us are brave': mapping the consequences of invisibility for black and minority ethnic women in Britain ~ Heidi Safia Mirza; Police lore and community disorder: diversity in the criminal justice system ~ Virinder S. Kalra.

"... an essential read for anyone interested in 'race' and ethnicity studies, including students, academics and those within policy-making institutions. The book should be read as an introductory text to some of the key issues within the study of race and ethnicity." BSA Network Newsletter "... this volume provides new insights into the factors that shape the lives of nearly seven percent (p.3) of the UK population. As such it will not only provide an interesting and informative reference for researchers who contribute to the literature in this field, but also to policy makers who are working towards reducing inequalities and disadvantages for all ethnic groups." Work, Employment and Society "... lively and engaging... a thought-provoking book, which far from merely describing ethnic inequalities aims to explore and explain them." Ethnic and Racial Studies "This is an excellent text which will prove an invaluable complement to others." Journal of Social Policy "This important new book will do much to enhance our knowledge of the differences as well as the similarities between ethnic minority communities in British society. It brings together a wealth of original research that addresses this important issue from a range of perspectives." John Solomos, Centre for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, Department of Sociology, City University, London

"This important new book will do much to enhance our knowledge of the differences as well as the similarities between ethnic minority communities in British society. It brings together a wealth of original research that addresses this important issue from a range of perspectives." John Solomos, Centre for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, Department of Sociology, City University, London