First published in 1997, this volume examines the issue that, throughout Britain, studies of social, health and housing services have found discrimination, insensitive practices and lack of awareness of the needs of a multi-racial population. The relationships between these services and their minority ethnic users remain problematic. This book focuses on the lessons offered by the Scottish experience. Original research-based contributions focus in turn on housing services, social work and health services, examining the perspectives of service users and their needs and experiences, and comparing the perspectives of professionals in each field. The implications of these perspectives for policy, both local and national, are explored in the context of recent national developments. Methodological issues are discussed throughout the book and the complementarity of different research perspectives explored. Housing, social work and health professionals throughout Britain will find sensitive discussion here of issues which face them daily in their work. Researchers will find original data, explored in the context of nationally relevant research issues and policies. Scottish researchers and practitioners will find detailed discussion of how far the Scottish experience is distinctive, how far it offers lessons for the national picture and how far it can learn from elsewhere.

First published in 1997, this volume examines the issue that, throughout Britain, studies of social, health and housing services have found discrimination, insensitive practices and lack of awareness of the needs of a multi-racial population. The relationships between these services and their minority ethnic users remain problematic. This book focuses on the lessons offered by the Scottish experience. Original research-based contributions focus in turn on housing services, social work and health services, examining the perspectives of service users and their needs and experiences, and comparing the perspectives of professionals in each field. The implications of these perspectives for policy, both local and national, are explored in the context of recent national developments. Methodological issues are discussed throughout the book and the complementarity of different research perspectives explored. Housing, social work and health professionals throughout Britain will find sensitive discussion here of issues which face them daily in their work. Researchers will find original data, explored in the context of nationally relevant research issues and policies. Scottish researchers and practitioners will find detailed discussion of how far the Scottish experience is distinctive, how far it offers lessons for the national picture and how far it can learn from elsewhere.

Scotland's future in the Union is in question. Since Devolution in 1997, there has been a sea-change in Scotland's sense of itself. A distinct Scottish political culture has emerged: confident, assertive and increasingly divergent from that of its southern neighbours. Yet, as this timely and perceptive book shows, Scottish nationalism has been on the rise since the Second World War. Today, the Scottish National Party are in the ascendant, winning nearly half of all votes cast in the 2019 General Election and most of the seats. The Scottish Parliament has been a legislative trail-blazer, enacting progressive legislation well before England and Wales. And Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union, putting it at odds with much of the rest of the United Kingdom on the most important political decision this century. The country has transformed from the socially and politically conservative climate of the post-war period to a nation contemplating, for the second time, a move to independence - for all the uncertainty and turmoil that would bring. At a time when the country's future has topped the agenda in Britain and abroad, this book unpicks the complex weave of Scottish politics, society and culture, providing an essential insight into Scotland's present - and its future. -- .