News

10 April 2024

Racist ideologies and discrimination are still widespread in our societies and they continue to be a global problem. They are rooted in different channels that enable their diffusion. Racism in education materials is a prevalent issue that must be addressed. UNESCO’s new publication, "Unmasking racism: Guidelines for educational materials", aims to increase awareness and improve understanding of how racism manifests itself in educational materials and to provide guidance on how to counter this phenomenon.

What is the primary focus of “Unmasking racism”?

The publication aims to address and rectify the presence of racism in educational materials. Its focus is on how textbooks and other learning resources can intentionally or unintentionally perpetuate racial stereotypes and biases, influencing perceptions and reinforcing social divisions. It guides educators and material developers towards creating content that is not only inclusive and respectful of diverse experiences but also actively combats racism by teaching students how to recognize, understand and oppose racial injustice and inequality.

Why is it important to address racism in educational materials?

Educational materials play a crucial role in shaping students’ understanding of the world and themselves. When these materials contain racist stereotypes or omit diverse perspectives, they contribute to the marginalization of certain groups and reinforce inequalities. Addressing racism in education is vital for creating an equitable learning environment where every student can see their history and experiences valued and reflected.

What are the main objectives of these new guidelines?

“Unmasking racism” sets out to:

• Eliminate racial biases in educational content, ensuring materials do not perpetuate stereotypes or misinformation.
• Foster an understanding of racism as both a historical and ongoing systemic issue that affects social structures and individual lives.
• Encourage the development of educational materials that offer a balanced and inclusive view of history and contemporary society, actively promoting anti-racist perspectives and actions.
• Promote critical engagement with the concepts of race and racism, helping students and educators reflect on their own positions within these dynamics and understand the importance of being actively anti-racist.
• Advocate for an intersectional approach to understanding identities, emphasizing how race intersects with other factors like gender and socioeconomic status to shape experiences, and guiding students towards actions that support racial justice.

How does this publication propose combating racism in educational materials?

To effectively combat educational racism, the publication recommends:

• Introducing educational content that explains race as a construct with no biological basis, challenging essentialist views and debunking myths that fuel racism.
• Discussing the concept of structural racism, showing how it permeates institutions and social norms, and providing students with tools to identify and challenge these structures.
• Incorporating knowledge-based discussions that cover the history of racism and its current manifestations, allowing for a deeper understanding of the subject and inspiring actions to combat racism.
• Engaging students in reflecting on their own identities and experiences in relation to power structures, fostering empathy, awareness and a commitment to anti-racist action.
• Employing an intersectional framework to explore how race interacts with other identity aspects, providing a more comprehensive view of discrimination and privilege, and encouraging students to advocate for justice and equality in all forms.

How can educational materials perpetuate racism?

A common example is the oversimplification of migration narratives, which often portray migrants negatively, focusing on issues of assimilation and cultural differences without acknowledging systemic barriers to integration. This portrayal can alienate students from migrant backgrounds and reinforce a divisive narrative that separates “us” from “them,” undermining social cohesion and mutual understanding. By reframing these narratives to highlight the contributions, resilience and diverse experiences of migrants, educational materials can foster a more inclusive and anti-racist understanding of migration and its impact on societies.

What are the key recommendations of this publication?

• Broadening the range of stories and histories included in educational materials to ensure all students find representation and validation in their learning environment. This involves actively including anti-racist content that challenges dominant narratives and promotes a deeper understanding of racial justice.
• Undertaking a thorough review of existing educational content to identify and address instances of racial bias or exclusion, and incorporating counter-narratives that enrich students’ understanding of complex issues through an anti-racist lens.
• Equipping educators with the tools and knowledge to address racism effectively within the classroom, fostering a learning environment that encourages open discussion, critical thinking and collective action against racism.
• Empowering students with the skills to critically analyze content, recognize bias and appreciate the value of diverse perspectives in building a more inclusive society, and inspiring them to be active participants in the fight against racism.

How does this publication envision the future of education?

“Unmasking racism” envisions an educational future where materials not only impart knowledge but also cultivate critical thinking, empathy and a deep respect for diversity. It aims for an educational system where students learn to recognize and challenge inequalities, fostering a generation that values dignity, equality and human rights. Through such transformative learning, the publication hopes to contribute to building more just and inclusive societies.

URL: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/qa-countering-racism-and-through-education