Neo-sectarianism and Rainbow Coalitions: Youth and the Drama of Immigration in Contemporary Sweden

First published in 1997, this book examines the issue of racist and antiracist movements which are increasingly taking the stage in contemporary European societies in the face of a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The drama of immigration has been enacted by these movements with heightened intensity since the 1908s, and in particular the struggle is engaging the youth of Europe. In this book the author discusses the two sides of the antiracist movement in Sweden, on the one hand, the explosive sociality of the confrontation, a phenomenon she designates as neo-sectarianism, and on the other hand, the ephemeral sociality of ‘rainbow coalitions’ of non-confrontation, In focus is the participation of young people in the antiracist movement. It is an attempt by young people to not merely respond to perceived social changes and problems within society, but to actively participate in and shape society.