On the heels of the nationalist Sweden Democrat party entering the Swedish parliament, issues of immigration and multiculturalism have been given more attention in the press. DN, major Swedish daily, recently published a letter to the editor arguing that "four out of ten" respondents in a survey claim to be sceptical towards researchers and scholars studying matters of ethnic relations and integration. That those who support a populist nationalist party would be sceptical towards such research when it does not support their agenda is hardly very surprising. However, the notion that 40 % of the population (provided that the survey is valid, which I cannot speak to) also is sceptical towards the results of academic research is quite alarming, particularly for those who think that enlightment is the primary means by which to create more understanding, tolerance and respect in society.
At the very least, this might be a reminder that we who engage in this kind of research must devote some time to sharing and explaining the results of our work with a wider audience...
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