Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Ethnic categorization and stereotyping are contextual and malleable phenomena. History offers many examples of ethnic group categorizations that have risen in importance, only to decline as societal developments increase the relevance of other in- and out-group distinctions. The content of stereotypes and ethnic structures is strategically maintained across societal spheres by dominant groups, while also being negotiated and challenged by disadvantaged minorities.

These symbolic struggles take place in public discourse through institutions, political actors, and - sometimes strategically - ordinary people in everyday social interactions. Together, they shape ethnic hierarchies, the rigidity of ethnic boundaries, and the content of stereotypes ascribed to different groups. In short, they shape the collective sense of “us” and “them.”

This research project uses large-scale text analysis covering a period of 65 years to improve understanding of how new groups are incorporated into established social hierarchies in destination societies, and how specific minority groups are stereotyped over time in two Nordic countries: Finland and Sweden. The study is a comparative content analysis based on a large dataset consisting of complete editions of major daily newspapers since 1955.

The project also aims to explain why these developments occur and to explore what they may imply for future interethnic relations in these countries.

Funding

This project is funded as part of the research program “Future Challenges in the Nordics – People, Culture and Society,” which focuses on major societal challenges in the 21st century and how they are understood and addressed in Nordic societies.

Read more here.