Study: Inequality related to origin and ethnicity is reflected in many areas of children’s and young people’s lives

Differences and disparities related to origin and ethnicity are strongly visible in various areas of children’s and young people’s lives, such as education, working life, health, wellbeing, inclusion, family life and safety. This is evident from a study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) on the realisation of ethnic equality among people under 30 years of age in Finland.

The study commissioned by the Prime Minister’s Office relied on data from the Perusoikeusseuranta.fi fundamental rights website maintained by the Government and on other extensive population surveys. The results show that belonging to an ethnic minority makes children and young people vulnerable to a wide range of violent and unsafe environments in family life, at school, during leisure activities and in the digital environment. Minorities also face more challenges related to their family’s financial situation and family fragmentation.

Ethnic minorities experience discrimination and bullying at school more often than people of Finnish origin or those who belong to the majority population. Challenges in working life are common among young Roma and among men who have moved from Africa and the Middle East, as these groups experience widespread discrimination.

Clear differences in educational trajectories

Young people’s educational pathways diverge significantly based on origin and ethnic background: young people belonging to minorities are less successful in their studies and face more roadblocks while working towards an education. Challenges related to health and wellbeing, such as mental health symptoms, are especially common among certain minority groups. Minorities also face difficulties accessing services.

“For example, one third of women aged 20 to 29 who had moved to Finland from Russia and Estonia had had suicidal thoughts during the previous year. And as many as seven out of ten young men who had moved to Finland from the Middle East and North Africa had experienced discrimination,” said Research Professor Anu Castaneda from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

“When people face compounded challenges in many different areas of life, they do not have the same access to wellbeing and opportunities as others do, regardless of their origin or ethnicity,” Castaneda said.

According to the study, these differences are especially pronounced among boys and young men. “Boys of foreign origin are more likely to experience violence, exclusion and loneliness, and they also have more difficulty accessing school healthcare services,” said Development Manager Mona Eid from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

Combating ethnic inequality by promoting anti-racist practices

The study stresses the importance of making healthcare and social welfare services more accessible to everyone. Efforts should be made to promote good relations and strengthen trust between different population groups and to revitalise the Sámi and Romani languages in particular. The study highlights the need to combat race-based discrimination and bullying effectively, for example by promoting an anti-racist operating culture in educational institutions and working life. 

The study commissioned by the Prime Minister’s Office supports the implementation of the Government’s “A New Boost for Equality in Finland” action plan and will serve as a basis for further developing the Perusoikeusseuranta.fi website.

“The results of this study show very clearly that we need to continue our determined efforts to combat racism and promote equality. The information provided in the study will make it possible to better plan and target future measures,” said Katriina Nousiainen, Project Manager at the Prime Minister's Office.

The researchers will provide more information on the study at the ‘An equal Finland for children and young people’ webinar on Thursday 20 March.

Inquiries: Anu Castaneda, Research Professor, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. +358 29 524 7848, [email protected], Mona Eid, Development Manager, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. +358 29 524 8707, [email protected] and Katriina Nousiainen, Project Manager, Government project to promote equality, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 735, [email protected]