Why the use of responsible language is crucial in the field of migration and ethnicity in public health. Overview and perspectives from case studies in Denmark and Germany

Navina Sarma, Katja Kajikhina, Mark RD. Johnson, Carmen Koschollek, Raj S. Bhopal, Allan Krasnik and Bernadette N. Kumar

Social Science & Medicine, 2025, vol. 383, issue C

Abstract: In this commentary, we look back at the debate around responsible language, concepts and terminology in migration, ethnicity and health research since the 1980s. As words matter, we highlight the responsibility of public health researchers and practitioners within the public discourse on migration – more so in the context of the rising right-wing populism and anti-immigrant sentiments in Europe and globally. In two case studies, we describe how an intervention led by migration health professionals in Denmark successfully contributed to a more responsible public communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Germany, public health professionals developed a guideline for migration-sensitive language and critically reflected on commonly used concepts. With these case studies we shed light on key challenges and potentials of language, terminology and concepts and suggest the development, agreement and implementation of international principles for the use of responsible language.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118427

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