Anchors of belonging and the logics of othering of young Finns

Benjamin, Saija; Koirikivi, Pia; Elliott, Kathlyn; Gearon, Liam; Namdar, Christine; Kuusisto, Arniika

doi:10.1080/13676261.2023.2271851

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Shifts in affiliations and national identities were also visible in our previous study where Finnish youth ( n = 2873) indicated more appreciation for universal, human rights-based values than for nationality (Koirikivi et al, 2021). Moreover, our studies on Finnish youths’ prejudices (survey n = 2200) and their justifications of othering ( N = 45 interview accounts) showed that their negative attitudes are not based on traditional social categories, such as ethnicity or religion, but on individual differences between lifestyles and behaviors that they perceived as threatening their feelings of safety and social harmony (Koirikivi et al, 2021; Benjamin et al, accepted, 2022c). However, there is still a notable gap in research on Finnish youth’s intergroup mindsets as well as their own definitions of ingroups and outgroups.…”

Section: Mindset Associated With Extremismmentioning

confidence: 87%

Safeguarding social justice and equality: Exploring Finnish youths’ ‘Intergroup Mindsets’ as a novel approach in the prevention of radicalization and extremism through education

Benjamin¹,

Koirikivi²,

Salonen

et al. 2023

Education, Citizenship and Social

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As part of citizenship education, the prevention of radicalization and extremism through education (PVE-E) is an urgent initiative of global educational policy. According to research, radicalized individuals, despite the ideology held, have mindsets that challenge equality and social justice. In this light, this study examines the intergroup mindsets of Finnish students aged 16–19 in vocational institutions through a mixed methods research survey ( n = 383). Three distinct intergroup mindsets were found in a profile analysis. The findings demonstrate that the intergroup mindsets of the students are predominantly egalitarian, open-minded, and inclusive. However, there are also students whose mindsets are anti-egalitarian and pro-dominance, and for whom Finnishness is a marker of borders and social exclusion. If intensified and manipulated, the views of these youth may become radicalized with serious implications for national security and societal cohesion.We argue that in PVE-E, the focus on critical thinking must be complemented with transformative approaches that support the development of mindsets based on social justice and equality.

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