Defintion
Under the Equality Act 2010, race includes colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin. It is unlawful to directly or indirectly discriminate against or harass a person because of their race. This includes segregating a person from others on the grounds of race.
The broader picture
The 2001 census suggested that around 2% of Scots were from an ethnic minority background, the largest of which was Pakistani, followed by Chinese, Indian, African-Caribbean and Black Scottish. However an ethnic minority encompasses more than colour and ethnicity. Since 2001, Scotland has welcomed many migrants from the European Union, along with people from other parts of the world. The 2011 census results are likely to show groups such as Polish and Roma people making up a larger share of the Scottish population.
Racial discrimination and prejudice is a major problem in Scotland. Around 5,000 racist incidents are reported to the police every year. Half of all the incidents are against people of Asian origin, and three quarters are committed against men. Most incidents take place on the street, in the victim’s home or in a shop. Around half of all perpetrators are aged 20 or under, with a quarter aged under 16.
Racial and religious discrimination are closely related. Islamaphobia has increased in recent years, and is often directed against people of Indian, Pakistani or Arab origin, regardless of their actual religion. Jewish people are classed as belonging to both a religion and ethnicity.
Asylum seekers, Roma, and Irish Traveller groups often experience significant discrimination across multiple areas of life, with major barriers in access to housing, employment, education and healthcare.
Sport
Data from the 2009 Scottish Household Survey is outlined in the table below.* This shows participation in any sport excluding walking in the last four weeks, and then any sport including walking by racial group.
Participation in sport in the last four weeks by racial group
|
Any sport (excluding walking) |
Any sport (including walking) |
|
Other British |
55% |
79% |
|
Any other white background |
54% |
78% |
|
Any other background (such as Chinese, black or mixed) |
52% |
79% |
|
Scottish |
49% |
71% |
|
Asian |
42% |
66% |
|
All |
50% |
72% |
*This analysis was completed by the Scottish Household Survey team for sportscotland.
People who identified as ‘other British’ or ‘any other white background’ were more likely to participate in sport than other groups. Asian people were least likely to participate. Participation for those who identified themselves as Scottish was close to the average participation rates. The differences between groups remained the same when walking was included.
After walking, swimming was the most popular sport for all groups except Asian and Any Other Background. For Asian people the most popular sport was running/jogging, closely followed gym and keep fit/aerobics. For Any Other Background, the most popular sport was running/jogging, followed by dancing.
sportscotland believes that all people, regardless of race, should have the opportunity participate in sport. sportscotland is committed to fulfilling its duty under the Equality Act 2010 to advance equality of opportunity regardless of race.
Additional Resources