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.