Social exclusion of Chinese people in Britain

Abstract

This article examines the social exclusion experienced by Chinese people in Britain. It challenges the view that the problem is caused by the cultural characteristics of the Chinese community. It shows that the main cause lies in their way of seeking social integration through market participation. The necessity for many Chinese families to secure their market position not only keeps them at a distance from mainstream society but also from their own ethnic community. While they are not outsiders in either of these groups, they only have one foot in each of them.

Beyond Place: Ethnicity/Race in the Debate on Social Exclusion/Inclusion in Scotland

“…A study by Chau & Yu (2001) challenges the view that social exclusion in relation to the Chinese communities is caused by perceived characteristics of this community. Rather, they argue that it is the outcome of the way in which the Chinese communities have had to seek integration through participation in the labour market.…”

“…In addition, the Chau & Yu (2001) study also challenges at least two other assumptions. The first of these is that the perspectives and policies that privilege labour market participation and economic processes are fundamental in overcoming social exclusion; the Chinese experiences demonstrate the limitation of this strategy.…”

“…Chau & Yu (2001) argue: 'The answer lies in the form of their interaction with other groups. The interaction between many Chinese and members of the mainstream society is essentially limited to a commodity relationship regulated by the private market' (p. 116).…”

“…In areas where minority ethnic households are scattered and isolated and have poor access to services that recognise their needs, the opportunities to develop social capital and a voice in decision making are nonexistent (Chau & Yu, 2001;de Lima, 2001, unpublished). This is exacerbated by the tendency of agencies to focus on the characteristics of the minority ethnic communities at the expense of examining the barriers that exist and an effective analysis of the power of some groups to define the agenda.…”

A transnational bicultural place model of cultural selves and psychological citizenship: The case of Chinese immigrants in Britain

“…Population dispersal was required to avoid market saturation when the predominant trade of Chinese immigrants was food takeaway businesses (Owen, 2006). Chinese immigrants have been shown to retain a distinct Chinese cultural identity (Chau & Yu, 2001), and often remain in separate enclaves from the host community (Zhou, 2009). One explanation for this is that within Chinese culture, the family is considered the cornerstone of society (Chi, Chappell, & Lubben, 2001).…”