Ethnic Background Categories
Everyone has an ethnicity and this ethnicity is self defined. This could be based on common ancestry, memories of a shared past, a shared cultural identity which might include kinship, religion, language, shared territory, nationality or physical appearance. The DfES considers that in relation to schools in England, the term “minority ethnic” refers to all groups that are not recorded under the “White British” ethnic group category. It is not acceptable to summarise ethnic background data using an all-inclusive “White” category, nor is it appropriate to assume that minority ethnic groups are only defined by skin colour or race.
This approach is supported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
The ONS publication “Ethnic Group Statistics: a guide for the collection and classification of ethnicity data” is available as a download from the ONS website:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about/ethnic_group_statistics/
The ethnic background categories currently in use nationally by the DfES, closely reflect those categories used in the national population Census (England) of 2001. These categories were adopted for use in schools for the 2003 Annual Schools Census. This was in order to keep the Department in line with the Office for National Statistics and with other Government and national data. These categories largely reflect 20th Century immigration patterns to the UK. They are not intended to record the nationality held by any individual and are solely intended to reflect ethnic origin or heritage. Several categories are ethnic groups whose heritage or background may lie in specific countries and may at first appear to be a nationality indicator. However, no inference can or should be drawn as to the actual nationality of any pupil recorded under any ethnic background category, including the “White British” category.
The list of categories can be seen at:
http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/ethnicminorities/collecting/763919/811067/
For national reporting, the DfES adopted two additional categories under the “White” ethnic group which did not appear in the national Census. These are the “Gypsy/Roma and “Traveller of Irish Heritage” categories which were introduced in order to support the Department’s work to raise the attainment of Traveller children.
Many local authorities collect more detailed ethnic background data on their pupils for local planning and monitoring purposes. For national reporting, these extended categories map back to the DfES national categories. The full list of categories and how they map back onto the DfES categories can be seen at:
http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/ethnicminorities/collecting/763919/764021/
Terminology
Language is continually evolving. The history of race equality and inclusion has also been marked by evolution of language and terminology. Some terms have fallen into disuse either because they were challenged over time or seen to be archaic or derogatory being associated with a negative stereotype or an historical or implicit value system or hierarchy. Sometimes a term would fall into disuse as it insufficient for the purpose or context for which it was originally intended.
No definition that relates to any individual’s perception or self definition of their own identity is likely to fully describe the complex and subtle factors that contribute to that identity. These factors could include skin colour, language, national or regional origins, faith, culture, ancestry, family history in any or all combinations.
Here are some terms commonly used with an explanation why the DfES uses or does not use certain terminology.
Black/White
The DfES recognises that the term "Black" has been questioned by some groups recently as being potentially divisive or confusing. This arises in part due to the fact that some ethnic background categories in national Census relate to race or skin colour while others relate broadly to national or geographic origins. While strongly supporting the principle of self definition, for the reasons outlined above, the DfES will continue to use the current ethnic background categories which reflect those of the national Census.
Minority Ethnic
The use of this term is intended to recognise that everyone has an ethnicity. "Minority ethnic" in this regard signifies belonging to a minority ethnic group in the context of schools in England. Normally we would expect to use this term in conjunction with, for instance, a noun or abstract noun such as "Minority ethnic pupils" or "minority ethnic achievement". We believe this term is not entirely synonymous with "ethnic minority" and while the nuances are debatable, we feel that "ethnic minority" implies a limited and less inclusive meaning. We therefore prefer the term "minority ethnic" as described above.
Black/Minority Ethnic (BME)
The DfES has not previously used this phrase in official documents to a significant degree. However "Black/Minority Ethnic" (or "Black and Minority Ethnic") is the phrase that is currently most commonly used by external partners, community and equality organisations. The Department’s use of this phrase will be with the understanding that "Black/Minority Ethnic" or "BME" also includes minority ethnic groups in England who are White (i.e. those recorded under any of the "White" groups other than "White British".
Visible Minority Ethnic
This Department does not promote this term as an alternative to "Minority Ethnic".
Gypsy/Traveller
The term Gypsy/Traveller is used in recognition that within different communities there may be a preference for the separate term "Gypsy" or "Traveller". Many, but not all Gypsy/Traveller communities maintain a nomadic or transient occupational or traditional lifestyle. The use of this term by the DfES does not exclude Gypsy/Travellers who are housed or live in static accommodation unless stated as such in a specific context. The DfES also recognises that there is a stated preference within sections of the Traveller community to self define as "Nomadic" rather than as "Traveller". However, at present the DfES will continue to use the terms Gypsy/Traveller as these terms are the most widely recognised and accepted.
Refugee
Someone who is recognised by the Government of that country as having met the definition of a refugee under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees as having a well founded fear of being persecuted.
Asylum Seeker
Someone who has fled their home country, possibly because of war and/or human rights abuses, and makes an application for asylum in another country.
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