Abstract

In the US and other countries with a long history of racial diversity (such as South Africa), attention has been paid to the media’s role in issues around race and ethnicity but less attention is paid in the European context. The media has the potential to promote or to call into question stereotypical views of social groups. According to research in media psychology and intergroup communication, images and messages associated with racial and ethnic groups in the media contribute to the formation, activation and application of racial and ethnic awareness and bias. Therefore many social science researchers argue that TV and advertising should ideally mirror the socio-cultural and ethno-racial composition of a nation. In this presentation, I will summarize the findings from two studies, one on racial and ethnic representation in Swedish TV commercials in the period 2008–2017, and the other on racial representation in prime-time TV 2020 in Sweden.

About the Anti-Racism Working Group Seminar Series

The Anti-Racism Working Group (ARWG) aims to recognize the structures and practices of racism within our field and confront it through the platforming of anti-racist efforts in Sociology and beyond. We invite academics to discuss their recent research with a discussant and join in cordial conversation with our network.

Everyone is welcome. Students are particularly encouraged to attend and participate. For the foreseeable future, all seminars will take place over Zoom. To join our group email list and receive Zoom links please contact Vanessa Barker, vanessa.barker(a)sociology.su.se.