Threats and Hate against Representatives of Academia
In recent years, hatred and threats aimed at researchers in Sweden have attracted media attention. Media coverage describes, among other things, hatred and threats against researchers working with migration, animal experiments, gender, gender equality and public health.
Hatred and threats against those working with, or in other ways contributing to, the democratic dialogue is increasingly becoming a widespread problem in our time. The emergence of social media has increased opportunities to engage in and interact with others involved in public debate. This has also led to a higher risk of becoming the victim of threats and hate.
Improving preventive work and support for those who are exposed
The Swedish Secretariat for Gender Research is working to survey and analyse the prevalence of, causes of and consequences of hate and threats made towards those who work in higher education. The aim is to improve preventive efforts and provide greater support for those exposed to hate and threats. This work is being carried out in partnership with actors in the higher education sector and in dialogue with actors from associated sectors.
Survey and analysis on prevalence
In 2022, the secretariat has been conducting a national survey of researchers and lecturers at Swedish universities and higher education institutions to ascertain the prevalence of threats and hate. The study aims to explore how many people have experienced threats and hate and why, and the consequences this has had for victims. It has been developed in dialogue with the research community and with actors who have carried out similar surveys in associated occupational groups.
An interim report of the study was presented 4:th of July, at a seminar during Almedalen Week, Gotland, Sweden.
The project is being run jointly with the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions, SUHF, and the Swedish Association of University Teachers and Researchers, SULF.
Dialogue and collaboration
The secretariat is also working to raise the problem on the higher education and research policy agenda, partly through ongoing dialogue with agencies and ministries involved and by participating in panels and conferences.
We cooperate with
The Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF), The Swedish Association of University Teachers and Researchers(SULF), Brottsförebyggande rådet (Brå), researchers in Norge and Finland