Political and media narratives often manufacture immigration as a social problem, framing the construction of meaning through the discourses of cultural differences as social, political and security problems. Of specific concern is how Muslims and immigrants from predominantly Muslim countries are perceived as the undesirable ‘Other’. The existence of latent - and many times open - anti-Muslim racism raises concerns about the depth of Sweden’s commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination. Based on the findings of the Diversity Barometer study, among other sources, this article elucidates the longstanding Islamophobia in Sweden. The Diversity Barometer study is a longitudinal survey tracking attitudes towards ethnic diversity in Sweden since 2005. Our analysis shows how islamophobia manifests in the context of structural racism through attitudes towards people with a Muslim background in Sweden. Political debate and national institutions further entrench the negative narrative. By exploring the structural perspective of islamophobia and racism, the article encourages introspection within Swedish society, challenging preconceived notions that hinder social equality, rights, integration, and social cohesion.
Ämnesord
SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Krigs-, kris-, säkerhetsvetenskaper (hsv//swe)
SOCIAL SCIENCES -- Other Social Sciences -- War, Crisis, and Security Studies (hsv//eng)
SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Statistik inom samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)
SOCIAL SCIENCES -- Other Social Sciences -- Statistics in Social Sciences (hsv//eng)
SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Internationell migration och etniska relationer (hsv//swe)
SOCIAL SCIENCES -- Other Social Sciences -- International Migration and Ethnic Relations (hsv//eng)
SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Genusstudier (hsv//swe)
SOCIAL SCIENCES -- Other Social Sciences -- Gender Studies (hsv//eng)
SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP -- Medie-, kommunikations-, och informationsvetenskaper (hsv//swe)
SOCIAL SCIENCES -- Media and Communications (hsv//eng)
SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP -- Social och ekonomisk geografi (hsv//swe)
SOCIAL SCIENCES -- Social and Economic Geography (hsv//eng)