Individuals’ interactions with place and space are of key importance for any geographer. By considering the geographies of rurality, ethnic relations and also the emerging field of rural racism, this thesis considers how rural space is important in shaping and influencing the experiences of minority ethnic residents in Wales. A multi-method research strategy, favouring in-depth interviews, is used to explore the experiences of rural living, with quantitative material derived from Census data establishing a context for these experiences and perceptions. Both the visible and invisible nature of minority ethnic people in rural Wales have been explored in this thesis, as well as the stereotypical and idyllic constructs that surround the lives of rural minority ethnic residents in Wales. This thesis demonstrates that ethnic and religious diversity is a part of almost every locality within the study area of this thesis (Powys and Carmarthenshire). The results suggest that minority ethnic residents show both similarities and differences compared to other in-coming groups (namely the English) within the rural Welsh countryside. Yet, also how their experience can be distinctive due to isolation from linguistic, religious, cultural and co-ethnic support. Racism has been found to be a common problem within the study area. Additionally, this thesis demonstrates the complexity and variety of the minority ethnic population and their experiences. Whilst minority ethnic people may encounter spaces as a defined group, there were variations between individuals in how the reacted to these spaces, and how they coped. Minority ethnic individuals often had a positive part to play in local communities and enjoyed the benefits of rural living. Not all are passive victims of rural racism. The thesis concludes with some major learning points that have emerged form this research which might inform future policy.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:637028 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Gardner, H. |
| Publisher | Swansea University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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