BLACK-POLITICS AND SOCIAL-CHANGE IN BIRMINGHAM, UK - AN ANALYSIS OF RECENT TRENDS

Over the past two decades the racialization of key aspects of British political life has become apparent both locally and nationally. This article seeks to examine the dynamics of this process by analysing the changing patterns of racial politics in Birmingham, UK. It addresses two main issues. First, the process through which ethnic minorities have mobilized in the context of local politics. Second, the responses of political parties to racial and ethnic questions within Birmingham. At a broader level the article utilizes the case study of Birmingham to illustrate how constructions of race need to be located within particular discursive fields.