Nordic Whiteness and Migration to the USA: A Historical Exploration of Identity

This book explores how the cultural, scientific, and political myth of whiteness has influenced identities, self-perceptions, and the integration of Nordic immigrants into multicultural and racially segregated American society in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It demonstrates that Nordic immigrants contributed to and challenged American racism and white identity, with hyper-white and better citizens proclaiming themselves but also facing unexpected intersections with ethnicity, regional belonging, gender, sexuality, and political views.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate and multifaceted ways in which the cultural, scientific, and political myth of whiteness has shaped identities, self-perceptions, and the integration of Nordic immigrants into multicultural and racially segregated American society during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. By drawing upon central insights from whiteness studies, postcolonial feminist, and intersectionality theories, the book demonstrates that Nordic immigrants, including Danes, Swedes, Finns, Norwegians, and Sámi, played a significant role in contributing to and challenging American racism and white identity. A diverse group of immigrants, they could assert their "hyper-whiteness" and position themselves as "better citizens than anybody else," including Anglo-Saxons, thereby perpetuating the racial bias of American citizenship and ownership rights. However, the study reveals that whiteness intersected with various other identities, such as ethnicity, regional belonging, gender, sexuality, and political views, leading to unexpected complexities and marginalization of white Nordic immigrants. Nordic whiteness, therefore, did not exist as a monolithic concept in the USA and could be challenged by other identities, potentially transforming them into marginalized figures.

A captivating exploration of whiteness and identity among white migrants in the USA, Nordic Whiteness offers valuable insights to scholars engaged in the fields of sociology, history, and anthropology. With a focus on Scandinavian studies, migration, and diaspora studies, as well as American studies, this book appeals to those interested in delving into the complexities of race, ethnicity, and identity in the United States. By examining the experiences of Nordic immigrants, the book sheds light on the ways in which cultural, scientific, and political notions of whiteness have influenced their integration into American society and the challenges they faced along the way.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, Nordic Whiteness provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of whiteness and its impact on individual and collective identities. The book explores the historical roots of whiteness in the USA, tracing its origins to European colonization and the subsequent construction of race and ethnicity. It also examines the ways in which whiteness has been perpetuated through social institutions, media, and popular culture, shaping perceptions of beauty, intelligence, and worth.

The book further explores the experiences of Nordic immigrants in American society, highlighting the ways in which they have negotiated and challenged the dominant cultural norms and stereotypes associated with whiteness. It examines the challenges they faced in accessing education, employment, and social services, as well as the ways in which they have resisted marginalization and discrimination. Nordic Whiteness also examines the ways in which Nordic immigrants have contributed to American culture and society, highlighting their contributions to science, technology, literature, and the arts.

In conclusion, Nordic Whiteness is a groundbreaking study that offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted ways in which the cultural, scientific, and political myth of whiteness has influenced identities, self-perceptions, and the integration of Nordic immigrants into multicultural and racially segregated American society. By deploying a range of theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, the book provides valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in the USA. It is a must-read for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race, ethnicity, and identity in contemporary society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367535469