Subtle Tensions: Race As a Daily Practice Among Youth in Colorblind Sweden

The current discourse of race in Sweden is arguably consisting of conflicting and scattered ideas. Discussions of race and visible differences carry a stigma and people tend to present themselves as colorblind. Concurrently, research testify to the social relevance of race through the racializing or othering experiences of certain groups. My research contributes to this field through an in-depth ethnographic study of race and racism among youth. I attempt to provide theoretical and empirical insights to nuance our understanding of when, how and for whom race matters in Sweden.

My research explores everyday, verbal and physical, practices of racialization among youth at a youth center in a mid-sized town in Sweden. These youth centers can be perceived as a form of institution, and an everyday setting, that some youth visit after school for extra-curricular activities. Through my research questions, I show particular interest towards how youth approach ideas of difference and similarities, categories and stereotypes, how race intersect with other categories, and youths’ approach to phenotypical markers. The material for this study has been collected through participant observations and focus group interviews.

At the conference, I plan to present results and an analysis based on my observations and interviews of recurring conversations and quotes related race, racialization and racism. Specifically, I want to center my presentation on how the everydayness of race nearly makes the sensitivity of these questions trivial for youth. I also plan to present methodological and ethical considerations, theoretical insights and experiences from my field work.