Reviews : Community Work and Racism ED OHRI, MANNING AND CURRO R. and K.P. with A.C.W.; pb; 188pp; £5.95
Abstract
150 Reviews Community Work and Racism ED OHRI, MANNING AND CURRO R. and K.P. with A.C.W.; pb; 188pp; £5.95 SAGE Publications, Inc.1982DOI: 10.1177/026455058202900409 Peter Simpson Merseyside This book is dedicated 'to the black people who are being slowly stifled by its [racisms] subtlety in Britain'. Therein lies the complexity of writing about it. Even after the disturbances many do not accept the existence of racism and those who do view the solutions in terms of giving more rights to ethnic minorities. However, racism is a way of life which has prevented even democratically organised bodies, such as Trade Unions from giving blacks equal rights. Community work, despite espousing principles of grass-roots self help and supporting the 'underdog' has nevertheless helped to perpetuate racism. This book represents the best study I have read which clearly enunciates these confusing concepts. If it applies to community work and most community workers are unconscious of it, despite a tradition of critical analysis, then how much more might it apply to Probation. The book would provide a valuable model for examining our own service.