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‘Global Majority’ to replace ‘BAME’?

Hannah Simmons

1

Minute Read

28 Jun 2024

‘Global Majority’ to replace ‘BAME’?

Hannah Simmons

1

Minute Read

28 Jun 2024

According to YouGov, only 28% of ‘minority ethnic groups’ in the UK find the term ‘BAME’ (black, Asian and minority ethnic) acceptable.


Many consider that ‘BAME’ is inaccurate, outdated and used to group all ethnic minorities together. ‘BAME’ is often used as a generic term for ‘non-white’, and is seen to create a misconception that people from ethnic minority communities are inherently marginalised. In fact, people with African, Asian, Indigenous or Latin ancestry comprise approximately 85% of the global population.


The government has since committed to drop the use of ‘BAME’ following a report from the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, which found that the term was no longer helpful. The report highlighted that the term emphasises certain ethnic minority groups and excludes others, such as the ‘mixed’, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller and ‘other white’.


The term ‘Global Majority’ was coined by Rosemary Campbell-Stephens as part of her 2003-2011 leadership work with the London Challenge Initiative. ‘Global Majority’ is an attempt to add global context and to move away from White British being the reference point, and ‘BAME’ being used to reference a deviation from the ‘norm’.


Many organisations have decided to no longer use the term ‘BAME’ with some, including the National Trust, opting to use the term ‘Global Majority’ instead.


Employers are encouraged to consider the terminology they use in enhancing their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts throughout the workplace. Employees may also express their own preferences regarding terminology. Using the right terminology is an integral part of communicating respect and creating a space where employees are encouraged to be open about their experiences.


Image Source: Adobe Stock

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