In a disconcerting development for diversity in children’s literature, a new report has revealed a significant decrease in the representation of racially minoritised characters in UK children’s books from 2022 to 2023. The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) survey found that the share of children’s books featuring characters from racially minoritised backgrounds fell from 30% in 2022 to a mere 17% in 2023, marking the first year-on-year drop since the survey began in 2017.
While this figure still represents an increase from the dismal 4% reported when the survey first started, the recent decline has raised concerns among industry experts and advocates for diverse representation in children’s literature. Farrah Serroukh, CLPE research and development director, expressed disappointment in the report’s foreword, stating, “Whilst this is disappointing, we have always expressed cautious optimism regarding the increased output of recent years. Historical patterns would indicate that gains regarding inclusion are susceptible to being constrained by the cyclical nature of publishing trends.”
Disproportionate Decline in Main Characters
The report also highlighted a particularly alarming trend in the representation of racially minoritised main characters. The number of main characters from these backgrounds dropped by half, from 14% in 2022 to a paltry 7% in 2023. This marks the first decrease in this crucial metric since the survey’s inception in 2017, when it stood at a mere 1%.
Rebecca Eaves, CLPE chief executive, expressed concern over the findings, stating, “These most recent, more sobering results, particularly after a summer of racially motivated riots, remind us that the job is far from done. It’s more important than ever that all children can see themselves and those that look like them in the books they read.”
Tokenistic Representation on the Rise
The report also shed light on a worrying trend in the portrayal of racially minoritised characters. There was a notable increase in the presence of these characters as background figures, rising from 25% in 2022 to 32% in 2023. This shift, coupled with the decrease in main characters, suggests a regression towards tokenistic representation.
“A rise in the presence of racially minoritised background characters with a parallel drop in main characters could lead to a regression in which racially minoritised characters are relegated to tokenistic wallpaper as opposed to meaningful presence.”
– CLPE Report
Picture Books Leading the Way
Despite the overall decline, picture books continued to have a higher proportion of racially minoritised characters compared to fiction and nonfiction. The survey found that 55% of picture book titles published in 2023 featured characters from minoritised backgrounds, a significant increase from the mere 3% reported in 2017.
This progress in picture book diversity highlights the importance of starting early in exposing children to diverse representations and normalizing the presence of characters from various backgrounds in their reading material.
A Call for Integral Inclusion
The report concludes with a call to action for the publishing industry, urging them to make inclusion an integral part of every stage of the publishing process. It emphasizes the need to recognize that while inclusive literature can be responsive to social injustice, it should not be limited to exploring suffering, subjugation, struggle, or success for exclusive purposes or specific audiences.
“If efforts are made to ensure that the content of the literature we consume is inclusive as a basic standard requirement then it will forever be the case regardless of what happens to be going in the world beyond the bookshelf.”
– CLPE Report
This powerful statement underscores the importance of making diversity and inclusion a fundamental aspect of children’s literature, rather than a trend or a response to specific events. By normalizing the presence of racially minoritised characters and stories, we can create a more equitable and representative literary landscape for the next generation.
The Way Forward
As the publishing industry grapples with this concerning trend, it is crucial to take concrete steps to address the lack of diversity in children’s books. Some key actions that can help promote inclusivity include:
- Actively seeking out and nurturing diverse voices and stories
- Ensuring diversity at all levels of the publishing process, from authors and illustrators to editors and decision-makers
- Normalizing the presence of racially minoritised characters in all genres and age ranges
- Promoting and supporting diverse books through marketing, awards, and recognition
- Engaging in ongoing dialogues with marginalized communities to ensure authentic and meaningful representation
By committing to these actions and making diversity a core value in children’s publishing, we can work towards creating a literary landscape that truly reflects the rich tapestry of our society. It is essential that every child has the opportunity to see themselves and their experiences reflected in the books they read, fostering a sense of belonging, empathy, and understanding.
The recent decline in the representation of racially minoritised characters in UK children’s books is a wake-up call for the industry and society as a whole. It is a reminder that the fight for diversity and inclusion is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and commitment from all stakeholders. Only by working together can we ensure that the stories we tell and the characters we celebrate truly reflect the diversity of our world, empowering and inspiring the next generation of readers.
