School, segregation and inequality, 20.8.2024

INEQ book launch event with Riikka Oittinen, Tina Luoma and Marja Peltola, University of Helsinki
Abstract

Segregation of schools and residential areas have been repeated concerns in public discussions in Finland for long time. Segregation is a complex phenomenon, each school encountering it in its own particular social environment and young people and school staff living with it as a part of their everyday lives. Yet, public discussions often bypass these everyday experiences. 

This event brings together findings published in the Finnish-language publication Koulu ja eriarvoisuus (School and inequality) to discuss lived consequences of segregation in Finnish cities and schools, and the relationship between segregation and social inequality. We particularly focus on young people’s everyday lives and how segregation shapes experiences both at school and in leisure time. We also wish to discuss what schools may do to support the wellbeing and studies of young people, how challenges encountered by school staff are encountered, and whether the worries circulating in public discussion are always accurate. 

Event Programme

Registration: https://elomake.helsinki.fi/lomakkeet/130602/lomake.html. Register by August 18th, 2024.

Time and Date: August 20th, 2024 between 14:15 and 16:00 

Format: Hybrid.

Location: Unioninkatu 37, room 1066 and online (a Zoom link will be sent to registered participants).

Programme:

  • 14.15 - Opening words: Short introduction to the theme (Sonja Kosunen)
  • 14.30 - Presentation 1: Young people’s everyday life in segregated city (Riikka Oittinen)
  • 14.50 - Presentation 2: Pupils’ inclusion and participation in a lower secondary school (Tiina Luoma)
  • 15.10 - Presentation 3: Peer relationships in school’s everyday life: group borders, distinction and hierarchies (Marja Peltola)
  • 15.30 - Commentary: Mandira Halder (INEQ, University of Helsinki)
  • 15.40 - General discussion
  • 16.00 - Closing