Sociology Research Methods: Racism in the UK - Essay Example

? Sociology Research methods: Questionnaire on Racism in UK Introduction The paper discusses a proposal for sociological research through questionnaire survey for a comprehensive study and qualitative analysis in respect of racism in UK. The schools, colleges and working places are ideal for conducting research of this type. However, survey in work place would be more appropriate, because the impact of the issue on people from various backgrounds, age-groups, income levels, ethnic-groups within the society is fairly represented in workplace. Gimenez (2010, p.9)“Article 2(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) requires equality with regard to the rights set out in the Covenant. According to Article 26 of the ICCPR, all persons are entitled to equal protection under the law with regards to rights in general, whether or not they are set out in the Covenant on the grounds described in that provision”. A workplace consisting of more than at least 3000 employees provide a wider spectrum of people for survey and research. The technological developments during the past decade in information technology, innovative software applications, inventions in computer hardware and advanced networking technology gave rise to the growth of BPO, software companies and investments and trading in international level necessitated movement of talents from place to place, and in this backdrop the current study has become important. The Research Questions The survey is designed to collect data from the participants for a study with reference to the following pertinent research questions in relation to the research. Whether the cultural interaction in the confluence of various ethnic groups in a country could be construed as strength instead of weakness by the society? Can unity in diversity be achieved? Hypothesis The analysis of the survey results would be useful in evaluating the hypothesis or the problems involved in the integration or racial issues in the society and the key hypothesis is: When the world is moving toward liberalization, and the countries pursue a policy of globalization, rich and diversified cultural background of the country would lead to economic growth and peaceful co-existence on account of international implications in the growing fields of telecommunications, social networks, internet and media due to its hold on international communities. Sampling Identification of target population and sampling frame needs to be done carefully. Simple random sampling method is proposed to be employed with probability sampling scheme to ensure that every group in the population has been covered, as it would be appropriate and representative of the population. The scope and organization of Survey Saris & Gallhofer (2007, p.4) state “Survey research is often used for descriptive research. … studies can also be done to determine the reasons … such research is called explanatory research”. The important aspects involved in the process of research include sample size, source of data, experience and communication skills of the data collector depend on the type of research. The active support of the management of the organization where the survey is planned to be conducted and hence preliminary discussions and continuous interaction throughout the survey process with them is essential. Inadequacies in resources and facilities would affect the quality of research and vitiate the results. For the survey under consideration, the important variable is ‘discrimination’ on account of racism. Vogt (2005, p. 377) states that a variable is “loosely, anything studied by a researcher”. There are other independent variables or factors such as age, gender, income level and country of origin which are relevant for the study and properly considered. These variable factors could be broadly categorized under Cultural differences, perceived competition, loss of national identity, threat to traditional values and its impact on younger generations caused may be due to unknown fear for lending focus to the purpose of analysis in proper perspective. This is also important because, the various underlying causes culminating into a particular issue are given proportional weight in the analysis. Design of the Questionnaire For eliciting information about racism with reference to the intensity of discrimination, in what ways the discrimination is exhibited, how do the media respond to it, what are impact of such discriminatory activities on the society, what is in store for future generations in this backdrop and the international implications. Brace (2008, p. 9) states that “Clearly there are a number of different stakeholders in the questionnaire, on each of whom the in which it is written and laid out will have an effect”. Apart from the data related to the participant such as Name, Age, Marital status, Religion, Nationality, Education level, Income group the questionnaire is divided into 4 parts with questions under each part (ranked according the degree using Likert Scale) 25 in total and 3 open questions and each part described with reference to hypothesis/theories/issues, justifying it importance in the survey. De Vaus (2002, p. 86) states that in many cases “data collected by other people or agencies can often be appropriately used to address the research question”, and this could be attempted after survey for cross verification purposes by way of analysis of secondary sources. Scale: 1. Strongly Disagree, 2. Disagree, 3. Neutral, 1 2 3 4 5 4. Agree and 5. Strongly Agree I. Cultural differences 1. Do you find immigrants pose threat culturally? 2. Do you find it difficult to adjust to the alien culture? 3. Does your racial background affect you freedom in social life? 4. Do you think naturalization is possible? 5. Do you think naturalization would be beneficial? 6. Have you faced conflicting situations due cultural differences? 7. Do you believe cultural differences could be strength to the country? The questions related to cultural differences are very important for the study. There may be some adjustments required on the part of the immigrants in the process of naturalization, which could result into hardships, though Race Relations Act was introduced to promote racial equality. Naturalization is a difficult process for the first generation immigrants. The questions have been constructed in such a way so that they are relevant to all the participants from all the social groups, nationals as well as immigrants. It is also advisable that in the total number of participants, a ratio of 25:25:50 could be maintained for Africans, Asians and Europeans or Nationals, so that it could be verified whether the survey results are compatible with reference to the broader groups considering the scores on different categories of questions. The opinions of the different groups in the work place would reflect the practices and perceptions. The climate when fosters empathy among the various communities, cultural differences could transform into highly talented and diversified workforce as a source of strength to the country. II. Competition in employment 1. Do you feel the immigrants compete with you in employment? 2. Do you think minorities are given more privileges? 3. Do you feel racial discrimination in workplace? 4. Does your social background affect your growth in employment? 5. Are you accepted well in your work group? 6. Do you believe in racial superiority? There is resentment on the part of the nationals about the increasing competition from immigrants. For example, Anna (2009) states “the EHRC found the most common method of recruitment was word of mouth, often preventing non-white ethnic minorities from applying simply because they are not aware of them. More open practices must be adopted and the EHRC intends to raise awareness that such methods are likely to be discriminatory and unlawful”. Also, when the country is facing shortage of labor in crucial segments such as nursing, it is in the interest of the development of the society to encourage immigrants in the field. “A chronic shortage of nurses could undermine the government's attempts to modernise the NHS, the Royal College of Nursing has warned”. (BBC News, 2002). Therefore, competition as a basis for racism needs to be analyzed. It is also understandable that the minorities in any group will be suspicious and apprehensive about the treatment meted out to them, and attributing these decisions to racial discrimination. Though in the workplace or companies, this is taken care of by the rules and regulations, in the social life these suspicions could be lingering in the minds. III. Identity Crisis 1. Do you think you will lose your identity over the period of time? 2. Do you face difficulties in socializing with your social group? 3. Do you feel discriminated on account of color or racial background in social life? 4. Are you respected well in the society by the people belonging to other group? 5. Do you face problems in the society due to linguistic differences? 6. Do the children face problems in schools and society due to racial background? 7. Do you think political situation has a role in defusing the crisis? Loss of identity in social life is considered to be a painful experience for the people, since people in any society has learned to live with feelings such as my family, my relatives, my caste and community. When they are in the crowd with no relationship with them, psychologically they are depressed. Though it is a psychological problem faced by an individual, the society has the responsibility towards such individuals in understanding and appreciating their positions in lending moral support. Discrimination in schools and educational institutions is a source of concern in the society. Pigott (2010) states “The source of the tension [in a school] was their desire to introduce an increased role for Islam in the school, since the majority of the pupils were Muslim”. The head teacher Mrs. Connors accused of racism and Islamophobia and the court’s decision was in favor of Mrs. Connors. IV. Traditional Values 1. Do you thing the traditional values of your social group is eroded? 2. Do you think preservation of these values is important in social life? 3. Do you think that the younger generation will be affected in this environment? 4. Are you able to practice your faith or religion peacefully? 5. Are there conflicts between values and law? Since naturalization is a painful process for the first generation people, generation gap in respect of traditional values is the society is understandable, because the younger generations borne and brought up under the new environment are better trained to live in the new environment. However, reconciling in some areas may be difficult due to religious practices and family issues. However, co-existence for a longer time promotes all-round understanding in the society for respecting these aspects of social life. V. Other Questions (Open) 1. Among African, Asian and European whom do you feel the cultural gap is wide and difficult to narrow down and why? 2. Do you think there is religious harmony in the society? If not, what are the reasons for disharmony? 3. Do you think political forces play a positive role in maintaining harmony among various groups in the society? If, not state how it could contribute for harmony in the society. Religion and politics underlying the social lives in the case of Africans, Asians and Europeans have been different historically. Therefore, their influence on the changed environment on the people needs to be taken into account for a broader understanding of the issues. The participants can register their views and thoughts for shedding more light on these issues, with reasons for their opinions and suggestions, if any. Methodology The questionnaire has been constructed using simple language for easy understanding by all the participants. The survey is proposed to be conducted in a workplace, whether factory or office with at least 3000 to 5000 employees and the questionnaires distributed to the participants with appropriate representation in terms of gender, age and marital status, job type, income group and country of origin among the various social groups for a balanced analysis. The purpose underlining the research project, the significance of the questions and the confidentiality aspect of the study should be explained to the participants, to enable them to fill up the questionnaire on their own accord without external influence. Scale: The questions are constructed based on ‘Likert Scales’, where ‘1’ represents strongly disagree, ‘2’ disagree, ‘3’ neutral position or no opinion, ‘4’ agree and ‘5’ strongly agree in the questionnaire. This will be useful in gauging the intensity of the responses. Reliability and validity: De Vaus (2002, p.37) states “In many situations in social research the experimental design will either be impracticable or impossible.” However, proper categorization of the questions under cultural differences, competition, identity factor and traditional values which could be more relevant in governing the issue of racism and assuming for a population of 3000, at confidence interval and confidence level of 5%, sample size needed would be 341 (The Survey System) which lend reliability and validity to the analysis. De Vaus (2002, p. 197) suggests “You will need to use a statistical package such as SPSS or SIMSTAT that includes reliability analysis.” Ethical issues: Ethical aspects of the research are important to avoid abuse of trust, confidentiality issues and infringement of human rights. Respect for persons’ individuality and values, understanding of the participants’ cultural background, informed consent of the participants and high level of integrity are essential in the process. Clark (2010) stated that according to Shaw, “engagement can be challenged by suspicion, bashfulness, shame and fear, not to mention the practical problems of time, money and lack of interest. Similarly, people who engage with research may also risk misrepresentation and unwanted intrusion.” Conclusion The paper could contribute significantly to the cause of racism in a meaningful manner emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in understanding the issue of racism in UK, considering its international ramifications. Also, corporate social responsibility (CSR) calls for initiatives on the part of the managements in reducing tensions among the work force on the problems related to social issues. Also, international cooperation and coordination is the need of the hour in view of the global warming and worldwide climate and environmental concerns. In a move towards liberalization of the economies in various countries of the world, resolving the social issues with greater understanding at all levels in a society is important on a global basis. The issue of racism, being sensitive is like a double edged sword. The talents, well intentioned initiatives and the activities of the people belonging to various communities should be identified, recognized and appreciated. However, there is also a risk of translating unfortunate events in the personal lives of the individuals which are common to all the individuals of the society, the consequences on account of lack of efforts and initiatives on the part of the individuals and sometimes anti social activities of the sections of a society into racial discrimination is not uncommon. Therefore, the study calls for careful consideration of all the factors related to racism with unbiased attitude and maturity on the part of the data collectors as well as the researcher, and the benefits of such surveys should be impressed upon the management of the company for obtaining sincere cooperation from them. References Anna, F., 2009. Race discrimination in the construction industry, Lexology, Association of Corporate Counsel, [online] Available at: [Accessed 1 March 2011]. BBC News, 2002. Nurse shortage 'threatens NHS', 19 February 2002. [online] Available at: [Accessed 1 March 2011]. Brace, I., 2008. Questionnaire Design: How to Plan, Structure and Write Survey Material for Effective Market Research, 2nd Edition. Market Research in Practice. Clark, T., 2010. 'On being researched': why do people engage with qualitative research? Qualitative Research, 10(2), pp. 399-419 De Vaus, D. A., 2002. Surveys in social research, 5th Ed. Social Research Today. Routledge Gimenez, J., 2010. International Action to Prevent Discrimination: The Situation of the Roma Community in the Field of Education, European Diversity and Autonomy Papers – EDAP, Year: 2010 Vol: Issue: 3 pp. 1-37. DOAJ. [online] Available at: [Accessed 1 March 2011]. Pigott, C., 2010. Council should have used public law powers to support head, Lexology, Association for Corporate Counsel Saris, W. E. & Gallhofer, I. N., 2007. Design, Evaluation and Analysis of Questionnaires for Survey Research, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Survey System, Sample Size Calculator, [online] Available at: [Accessed 1 March 2011]. Vogt, W.P., 2005.  Dictionary of statistics and methodology.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Read More