A new report has been drafted to consider racism and exclusion in rural communities
People from minority groups have experienced exclusion, racism and institutional harm in the countryside which reinforces perceptions of rural whiteness, a new report has claimed.
Racism
The study has been carried out by the University of Leicester and is part of the Rural Racism Project which looks at how a more inclusive countryside could be achieved.
Led by Professor Neil Chakraborti, Professor Corinne Fowler and Dr Amy Clarke, the report authors said it challenges 鈥榙ominant depictions of rural England as peaceful, neutral and apolitical' by investigating the realities of racism experienced by minoritised ethnic individuals and communities in rural spaces.听
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According to the study, minoritised individuals have experienced racial slurs and micro-aggressions, as well as threats of violence and isolation. Children in schools reported suffering physical threats, demonstrating, the research said, how racist attitudes are learned from a young age.
Welcoming
However, there were positives experienced by those questioned. Sepideh, from Iran, said: "I was actually overwhelmed with the positivity I witnessed in rural communities and how welcoming they were towards, not only myself, but also the refugees and their families."听听听
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Kerry Booth, chief executive of the Rural Services Network, said she welcomed any work which shines a light on the lived experiences of people in rural communities.
"While our core focus as an organisation is on ensuring rural areas have fair access to services, funding and opportunities, we fully recognise inclusion and a sense of belonging are fundamental to the health and resilience of those communities," she said.
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Ms Booth said more time was needed to consider the full report, but the initial findings were 鈥榙eeply concerning and reflect experiences that cannot be ignored'.
"We would stress that any form of discrimination undermines community cohesion and people's ability to access services on an equal footing. Everybody deserves to feel safe, respected, and able to thrive in the communities where they live, work and learn.
"Tackling racism in rural communities requires more than goodwill. It means ensuring that schools, local authorities, health services and other rural providers are properly resourced and equipped with the skills, training and confidence to respond effectively. National policy also has a role in recognising that inclusion is integral to building resilient rural communities."
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