ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the existing literature on the causes of immigration from the Caribbean to Great Britain after 1945. It discusses a critique of the ungendered nature of much of the literature and this is linked to the experiences of African Caribbean women migrants to Leicester. The chapter also discusses the origins of the Leicester community. It argues that the specific causes for the development of the community in Leicester are unclear, but possible contributory factors are suggested. The chapter outlines British Government policies regarding immigration between 1945 and 1981. Governments are in a powerful position to foster or discourage, to allow or prevent, immigration and it is argued that the composition of the City of Leicester as it developed during the period can be seen to be closely related to that policy. The chapter reviews some literature on the causes of West Indian migration to Great Britain, post World War Two, in the light of Holmes' generalisations.
