Layers of racism, layers of response: (re)structuring antiracism in Finnish education

This article makes an empirical contribution to research on racism in education by examining how multiple, interconnected forms of racism operate within the Finnish education system. Drawing on ethnographic observations and interviews with school staff and pupils, we identify and analyze seven forms of racism observed as impacting education: (1) individual, (2) internalized, (3) interpersonal, (4) institutional, (5) structural, (6) systemic, and (7) epistemic racism. To make sense of how these forms interrelate and reinforce one another, we adapt Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as a conceptual scaffolding. This allows us to situate different manifestations of racism across distinct layers of the education system. We argue that the lack of a systemic understanding of racism has hindered the development of effective antiracist strategies in Finnish education. We conclude the article by outlining concrete, targeted measures for building a more structured and sustainable antiracist culture in education, applicable in Finland and beyond.