Movements for equality : the nature of equality politics in Britain

Gladwin, Maree Lynette (1996) Movements for equality : the nature of equality politics in Britain. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

This thesis investigates the impact of diverse movements for equality upon the British political environment this century. These struggles include mobilisation by women, black and ethnic groups, lesbians and gay men, and disabled people. The investigation of these different movements for equality is informed by an initial overview and evaluation of competing theories of social movements which have been developed within the North American and European social science traditions.

Through an analysis of historical struggles for equality, the thesis identifies key political developments which brought about the introduction of anti-discrimination legislation and a new focus within equality politics on the implementation of equal opportunities policies and procedures. In assessing the impact of these developments, the thesis argues that developments in the politics of race, gender, sexuality and disability, and in particular, those which occurred in the 1980s, have resulted in the emergence of an equal opportunities movement. This movement reflects a convergence in strategies of equality movements and has an identifiable political project. The thesis examines the nature of the equal opportunities movement and raises issues concerning the ability of this movement to challenge inequalities at the level of the state and bring about meaningful change within mainstream social and political institutions in Britain.

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