Structural racism exists because of social constructions of group demarcations. Such boundary making processes are at the root of both structural and individual xenophobia and racism. This project therefore first aims to empirically map boundary making processes in people’s everyday life institutional contexts. Second, the project aims to provide empirical evidence in what actions as a response of boundary making processes will support equality. RAISE draws on the assumption that to reduce structural racism, people (and the institutions they operate in) have to be aware of these underlying boundary making processes that reproduce structural racism and the role it has in lasting inequalities. Recognition and acknowledgment of these forms of injustice will contribute to social action for equality. The project will be the first in Europe to study the awareness of boundary making processes in reproducing structural racism and what collective actions contribute to break through such boundary making processes to reduce structural racism.

By taking an interdisciplinary approach (from theologists, big data scientists, social psychologists, geographers, political scientists, economists and sociologists) and by creation of research in collaboration between NGOs that address racism and xenophobia operating in precarious contexts (NGOs from Hungary, Poland and Turkey) and academics, this project is at the front of generating new insights on structural racism in Europe.