'Hygge racism': "noget som man nok bruger mere end man tænker over". A qualitative study of well-intentioned racism

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study is to add to the body of knowledge on racisms in Denmark with the hope that further conceptual developments on ‘hygge racism’ can be made. In order to achieve this general aim, I analyse ‘hygge racism’ based on chosen concepts that show how it is reproduced and normalised in Denmark, thus dealing with it on structural and cultural levels, while also showing how it is a discursive act of ‘doing’ racism, thereby adding the personal level to the analysis. The thesis is grounded on theories of power by Foucault and Reed, Pease´s work on various forms of (intersecting) privileges and culture as hegemonic. Also incorporated is Durkheim´s sacred/profane dualism and, to a smaller degree, discourse studies (Teun van Dijk). It is a qualitative study for which I have conducted 9 semi-structured interviews to find out how hygge as a Danish cultural phenomenon influences instances of racism on a daily basis. I thus found that ‘hygge racism’ is reproduced and normalised through a hegemonic Danish culture that shapes how people understand and negotiate ‘hygge racism’ and shape the discursive ways of ‘doing’ racism. In brief, the thesis firstly provides an introductory section that grounds that thesis, after which accounts of and discussions on theory and methods follow. The analysis is then divided into two main sections, the former a more structural and cultural approach, whereas the latter is mainly discursive and personal. In the end a discussion and conclusion section wraps up the thesis and suggests future research.