Slightly more than half of Finns consider racism to be a significant problem, according to a new poll released to by Uutissuomalainen newspaper group.
The survey found that when people were asked to consider the statement “I think racism is a significant problem in Finland” 51% of those questioned said they either fully agreed or agreed.
On the other hand 43% of people completely or somewhat disagreed with the statement, and 6% said they didn’t have an opinion.
The survey, which was carried out in late June and involved a thousand people, also threw up some differences in opinions with women clearly perceiving racism as a problem more often than men. Only 7% of women completely disagreed that racism is a significant problem in Finland, while about 20% of men completely disagreed.
Young people aged 18 to 29 see racism as a major problem more often than other age groups – but those aged over 70 think racism in Finland is a problem more often than middle-aged people.
The biggest differences in opinion were revealed when political affiliation was taken into consideration with about 80% of supporters of the Greens and Left Alliance saying they thought racism was a significant issue. Meanwhile 75% of people who voted for the Finns Party took the opposite position.
Supporters of the Social Democrats saw racism as a problem more often than Centre Party or National Coalition Party voters.
Structural racism in Finland
The new survey about attitudes towards racism comes just a few weeks after a report commissioned by the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman found that a lifetime of racial discrimination in Finland for people of African descent begins at an early age, with children from immigrant backgrounds already experiencing systemic racism in the education system during pre-school.
Beyond the daily racist discrimination taking place in public spaces, schools and workplaces, the Ombudsman’s report highlighted the fact that racism is also happening in education, employment and public services like healthcare.
“I think one of Finland’s main exports is this illusion of Finnish or Nordic exceptionalism, and even though many things are really really well here as far as equality between men and women, it was the first country where women can vote, I think there’s an illusion that advancing equality is done, and it’s ready” Michaela Moua, Senior Officer at the Office of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, said when the report was published.
The report also reveals that the most common experiences of harassment range from seemingly harmless comments and acts – known as micro-aggressions – to violence at the extreme.
Read more about that study into structural racism in Finland at our story here.
Source: newsnowfinland.fi
As a Finn, I am not surprised by these findings. It’s crucial to address racism as a major issue in our society and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
As a Finn myself, I’m not surprised by these findings. It’s clear that racism is a significant issue that needs to be addressed in our society. It’s concerning to see the differences in opinions based on gender, age, and political affiliation. We must work together to combat racism and create a more inclusive and equal Finland.
As a Finn, I am not surprised by the survey results. It’s disheartening to see that racism is still a major concern in our society. It’s important for us all to work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting community for everyone.
It’s concerning to see that over half of Finns acknowledge racism as a significant issue in the country. It’s crucial for society to address and combat such deep-rooted problems to ensure equality and inclusivity for all individuals.
As a Finn, I believe that racism is indeed a significant problem in our country. It’s crucial for us to address this issue and work towards creating a more inclusive society for all.
Do you think the survey adequately addressed the impact of socioeconomic factors on perceptions of racism in Finland?
Yes, it’s crucial to consider the influence of socioeconomic factors when analyzing perceptions of racism in Finland. Socioeconomic status can significantly shape one’s experiences and interactions, contributing to different perspectives on racism. Looking beyond individual attitudes to systemic inequalities is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
It’s not surprising that more women than men see racism as a significant problem in Finland. We still have a long way to go in addressing systemic racism and promoting equality for all. It’s disheartening to see such stark differences in opinions based on political affiliation.
Do you think the differences in opinions between men and women regarding the perception of racism in Finland reflect deeper societal issues?
Yes, the variations in opinions between men and women on the perception of racism in Finland may indeed mirror underlying societal issues. These differences could stem from diverse social experiences, cultural norms, and historical contexts that shape individuals’ perspectives on racism. It’s crucial to delve deeper into these disparities to address and combat systemic racism effectively.
Do you think the differences in opinion based on political affiliation reflect a deeper division within Finnish society regarding perceptions of racism?
Yes, the sharp contrast in opinions based on political affiliation does indicate a significant divide within Finnish society when it comes to the perception of racism. It highlights how different ideologies and beliefs influence people’s views on this important issue.
Do you think the differences in opinion on racism among political affiliations reflect broader societal divisions in Finland?
Hi KateSmith, the differences in opinion on racism based on political affiliations definitely reflect broader societal divisions in Finland. Political ideologies often shape perspectives on social issues like racism, and it’s not surprising to see such varied views among supporters of different parties. These findings highlight the complex nature of addressing racism within a society. What are your thoughts on potential ways to bridge these divides?
Do you think the differences in opinions on racism based on political affiliation reflect broader societal divides?