What Sort of Segregation Existed in the UK After Slavery was Abolished?

Slavery as a practice never existed within the borders of the United Kingdom, contrary to popular belief. The abolition of slavery in England occurred as early as 1104, with Scotland and Wales following suit soon after. The British policy did not promote segregation; rather, it marginalized the discourse around racial integration. Unlike in the United States and South Africa, no laws compelled prejudiced views, although individual attitudes certainly existed and evolved over time.

Historical Context and British Sensibilities

While British merchants and the Crown profited from the African slave trade, the actual practice of slavery took place primarily in the colonies. Britain itself maintained a strict separation from the institution, keeping it out of sight and out of mind. This historical absence contributed to the relatively small number of African individuals in the UK following the abolition of slavery, primarily seen as novelties rather than significant members of the broader society.

Segregation in Northern Ireland and Beyond

Login Northern Ireland, where divisions persist predominantly along religious lines (Catholics vs. Protestants). There are no legal “Jim Crow” laws mandating this separation, but the political and social landscape remains segmented. Up until the 1960s, housing authority and local councils undertook measures to gerrymander residential areas. This practice has been prevalent, with government-owned housing still largely divided into Protestant and Catholic areas. Attempts to establish mixed housing communities have been short-lived, often succumbing to paramilitary pressure.

Race and Prejudice in Modern Britain

The absence of visible segregation does not equate to the absence of racial prejudice. Historically, British society has been capable of expressing racism, often through colonial and children’s media. Early 20th-century British children's comics, for example, often depicted African characters in stereotypical roles, sometimes as comic sidekicks, reflecting broader societal attitudes of the time.

Post-War Settlements and Hostility

The post-war period saw a significant increase in the number of black and South Asian individuals settling in the UK. The 1970s were marked by open hostility towards these new communities, a phenomenon that began to wane by the late 20th century. Today, while overt racism remains, the British public has generally grown more accustomed to the presence of people with dark skin and more tolerant of diversity, as illustrated by the increased support for black athletes in local football teams.

Contemporary Challenges and Hostility

Despite progress, societal prejudices continue to manifest in various forms. Islamophobia is a prominent issue, alongside persistent antisemitism within the Labour Party and dehumanizing rhetoric towards Brexit supporters among pro-EU liberals. The internet has introduced new challenges, such as "cancel culture," where political harassment has escalated into a form of mob justice, targeting individuals based on their political beliefs.

While the historical narrative of segregation is less pronounced in the UK compared to the United States and South Africa, the persistence of racial and cultural prejudices underscores the ongoing need for societal dialogue, education, and social cohesion.

Keywords: segregation, UK, post-slavery, British society