Race in Sweden: Racism and Antiracism in the World's First 'Colourblind' Nation

Race in Sweden explores the Swedish relationship to race in the post-war and contemporary eras, shaped by an ideology of colorblindness. It is taboo in public discourse and language use, and forbidden in official and institutional language. The book is available for free download in Chapters 2 and 3.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Race in Sweden is a comprehensive exploration and critical analysis of the intricate and evolving relationship between Sweden and race in the post-war and contemporary periods. This relationship is deeply influenced by an ideology of colorblindness, which prohibits any form of race talk in public discourse, everyday language usage, and official and institutional language. Sweden, which was once characterized by a predominantly white population, has undergone a significant transformation, becoming increasingly diverse. However, the legacy of Swedish whiteness coexists with a radical, colorblind, and antiracist ideology.

Race in Sweden offers valuable insights to scholars from various social sciences and humanities disciplines who are interested in the study of race and ethnicity, whiteness, and Nordic studies. Chapters 2 and 3 of this book are available for free download as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com. These chapters are licensed under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.

In Chapter 2, the book delves into the historical roots of colorblindness in Sweden and its impact on the country's social and political landscape. It explores how the concept of colorblindness has been propagated through various institutions, such as schools, media, and government, and how it has shaped the attitudes and behaviors of individuals and society as a whole. The chapter also examines the challenges and contradictions that arise from the ideology of colorblindness, such as the persistence of racial disparities, the erasure of minority cultures, and the marginalization of individuals based on their race or ethnicity.

Chapter 3 takes a deeper dive into the contemporary manifestations of colorblindness in Sweden. It explores how the ideology is expressed in public discourse, media, and popular culture, and how it influences policies and practices related to race and ethnicity. The chapter also examines the ways in which individuals and organizations challenge and subvert the ideology of colorblindness, advocating for greater recognition and representation of minority cultures and promoting diversity and inclusivity in society.

Overall, Race in Sweden provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between Sweden and race in the post-war and contemporary eras. It offers valuable insights to scholars, policymakers, and the general public interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with diversity and multiculturalism in a rapidly changing world.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032385891