Sex, Race and the Law: Legislating for Equality

Abstract

In the last two decades many countries have recognized the existence of widespread and persistent discrimination against women and racial minorities, and have sought to reduce or eliminate discrimination through legislation. In this book Jeanne Gregory examines the British experience in using the law to reduce inequality and assesses what has been done and can be achieved in this way. In Britain, the passing of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Race Relations Act 1976 gave victims of discrimination direct access to the tribunals and courts for the first time, and created two new Commissions with wide-ranging powers. In assessing how far these laws have been successful, Jeanne Gregory offers a clear, forceful analysis of the issues and problems raised by equal rights legislation. She concentrates on the key employment provisions, and compares the British experience with that of equal rights legislation elsewhere, particularly in the USA. Among the issues explored are the procedural obstacles encountered by people attempting to use the law, and the conflicts, internal and external, that have dogged the two Commissions charged with its implementation. Consideration is given throughout to the steps needed to close the gap between the ostensible aims of equal rights legislation and its actual achievements. This book will be essential reading for students of law and social policy as well as for professionals concerned with the implementation and effects of contemporary equal rights legislation.

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