Ethnic minority builders: a comparative study of Britain and the United States of America on affirmative action in the building industry

The research is a comparative study which examines the potential for the economic developmemt of a black (Afro-Caribbean) minority community in a white majority society through the experiences of one industry; construction. Particular emphasis is placed on economic development through small enterprise. The research is empirically based on interviews and fieldwork carried out in Britain and America. It is argued that the construction industry has a colour blind approach to the needs of Britain's black workers, notably in the area of craft and management training. Black-owned business plays a marginal role in the industry, so the research invatigates ways to improve this position. Evidence is brought on the exclusion of black building workers and contractors from urban renewal housing repair and maintenance programmes in Birmingham. Other constraints to business development are discussed. In making comparisons with America, the thesis explores three positive/affirmtive action policies; Contract Compliance, Minority Business Programmes and the value of Self-Help organisations. It evaluates the potential for positive action in the British construction industry. The main conclusions are that there is a need for central government to take a lead in promoting positive action to combat the effects of racial discrimination. The potential for economic development through equal opportunity employment from the policy known in Britain as Contract Compliance is limited because of the fragmented and casualised structure of the industry. However, there is scepe for improving access for black workers to training courses, and for the provision of sub-contracting opportunities targeted at black-owned enterprise that is linked to mhagement training schemes.