Masteruppsatser / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle, avdelningen för kulturgeografi (2013-)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://gupea-staging.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/31776

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Tvååkers mosse - A collaborative project in the development of a multifunctional landscape
(2025-10-02) Glad, Sofia; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
Increased demands are being placed on sustainable land use development, and multifunctional landscapes have thus become a relevant issue in environmental management and planning (Boverket, 2020). Wetlands are areas that can generate multiple values and functions, such as recreational, ecological, and cultural-historical. A relevant area that includes a wetland area and has multiple functions is Tvååkers mosse. This study aims to better understand collaboration processes in multifunctional landscapes by exploring the components of the Tvååkers mosse project. By examining the importance of the physical landscape, it is possible to understand why and how the collaborative process influenced the land use change in the development of this multifunctional landscape. The study uses an actor-driver model (DFA-C) to systematically analyze how these components influence each other during the process. Within a contextual landscape perspective and through the lens of time-geography, in this thesis these approaches function as interpretive horizons that elucidate how human activity, material constraints, and spatial proximity collectively shape the physical landscape over a longer period of time. Using a qualitative case study where interviews, document analysis, and field observations were mainly used, the collaboration process was analyzed, and the importance of the physical landscape was understood. The change in land use has been possible thanks to local collaboration, strong civil society, and a clear common goal. The conditions of the physical landscape, in other words, its history and local values, have been decisive for how and why changes in land use have occurred at the Tvååkers mosse site. Finally, the study of Tvååkers mosse demonstrates how locally anchored initiatives can create sustainability in the physical landscape through dialogue and collaboration among actors. The collaborative process that has emerged in the development of Tvååkers mosse can thus be a source of inspiration for similar areas.
Consequences of Rural School Closures. Peripheralization in Rural Districts in Västra Götaland County, Sweden
(2025-09-16) Pettersson, Paola; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
Schools are often the last remaining welfare institution in rural areas, serving as both educational centers and community hubs that foster community resilience and social capital. When schools close, the effects on rural communities can be significant, though they remain insufficiently explored in existing research. Additionally, there is a gap between the public perception and political decisions, where locals perceive rural schools as a vital institution, while politicians opt to close them. This in combination with the lack of comprehensive research on the subject creates an opportunity to contribute to the understanding of development in rural areas. This project therefore aimed to investigate the demographic, social, and political consequences of rural school closures in Västra Götaland County, Sweden, through the lens of peripheralization. A Difference-in-Differences (DiD) analysis of four districts, combined with semi-structured interviews with four local informants, revealed that closures have negative effects on local communities. The population change was different for each analyzed district, pointing towards that rural areas are impacted differently by closures. The social and political findings help explain these variations, pointing to differing developments in social capital, as well as feelings of powerlessness and exclusion from decision-making processes. School buildings were found to be central in maintaining social capital, and their closure, or even restricted access, threatens long-term community cohesion, particularly when child-centered activities are absent. Using the framework of peripheralization, this study presents a nuanced understanding of rural development, indicating that rural areas exhibit varying predispositions to depopulation depending on their social context and position within the urban-rural relationship.
Cargo bike potential - Potential everyday use of cargo bikes, key enablers and barriers, the role of shared services, and methodologies for evaluating and realizing this potential.
(2025-08-14) Otterloo Kuronen, Joel; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
Using a mixed methods approach consisting of expert interviews and the development of GIS-based methodologies, this thesis examines the potential of cargo bikes as a mode of transport for personal everyday use in a Swedish urban context. It explores enablers and barriers, the role of shared cargo bike services, and how to evaluate potential and locate sharing stations to optimally contribute to fulfilling this potential. The result suggests that potential should be conceptualized in two ways: geographical potential, based on proximity, and a truer current potential depending on numerous (missing) enablers and barriers. Both the qualitative estimates and the quantitative measurement, based on a case study of the city of Gothenburg, deemed the geographical potential as sky high. The GIS-based analysis showed that 63.94% of the population could reach 19 out of 20 everyday amenities within 15 minutes. However, due to the numerous factors on top of land use, the current potential is significantly lower, probably only a few percent of individuals and trip are likely to adapt cargo bikes within the current conditions. Two distinct potential user groups were also identified: daily users (e.g. parents with children) and occasional users (e.g. for shopping or excursions). In terms of enablers and barriers, the most significant finding is the intricate interplay between various factors across different dimensions. Multiple enablers must be in place, and several barriers addressed, to make cargo bikes a viable option for personal everyday use. Although not all factors are equally important, they must be understood in relation to one another. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to encourage a modal shift toward cargo bikes, instead, a tailored mix of site-specific measures is required. The most important enabler themes were behaviour and norms, infrastructure, visibility, and regulations. Particular emphasis was found on creating a cycling culture, providing parking facilities at home, enabling trial opportunities, and developing a network of well-designed cycle paths – all of which must be understood in relation to the car, the main competitor to cargo bikes. Shared cargo bikes were found play a significant role to play in a potential transition and fulfilling of the potential, serving as means of transport for the occasional user, but even more as a transitional tool – through try-out possibilities and marketing for cargo bikes with presence in the city landscape – to create daily users. Which criteria (and their respective weight) such a system needs to fulfil to succeed were identified through the interviews, then the spatial criteria were used in a GIS-based multi-criteria analysis to evaluate optimal locations for shared cargo bike systems, resulting in a method developed for optimal locations of shared cargo bike services in a Swedish urban context.
Perceived Safety in Pedestrian and Bicycle Tunnels. A Quantitative Study of Perceived safety in the Urban Context of Gothenburg, Sweden
(2025-08-01) Wasberg, Malin; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
This thesis explores how perceived safety is shaped in relation to pedestrian and bicycle tunnels in Gothenburg, with a focus on gender, place, and the urban environment. The study is based on a survey conducted both digitally and on site in tunnel-dense and socially vulnerable areas. The analysis includes cross-tabulations and regression models. The results show clear differences in perceived safety between gender groups and city districts. Women report lower levels of safety and higher tunnel avoidance. The regression analysis confirms that gender, age, district, and survey method all have a significant effect on perceived safety. The findings are discussed in relation to previous research and theories on urban safety, social context, and the design of public space. While the study has some limitations, it contributes to a better understanding of how safety is experienced in specific urban settings and may offer support for future urban planning
Social Sustainability in Waste Management Planner Perspectives on Public Participation in Implementation of Property-Close Waste Collection
(2025-06-26) Olsson, Wilma; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
This study examines how public participation is perceived, valued, and operationalized by municipal officials in the implementation of property-close collection (PCC) systems for packaging waste in Swedish municipalities. Drawing on qualitative interviews with officials from municipalities in the Gothenburg Region, the study investigates participatory practices using theoretical frameworks including Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation, Fung’s Democracy Cube, and the SALAR Staircase of Participation as analytical tools. The findings reveal that public participation is primarily valued as an instrumental tool, emphasizing its role in facilitating implementation, increasing acceptance, and adapting systems to local contexts. Participatory practices were largely consultative and centered on one-way or limited two-way communication, with minimal opportunities for deliberation or citizen influence over strategic decisions. Moreover, variations between municipalities suggest that internal interpretations of what constitutes a suitable or feasible decision for public involvement significantly shape the scope of participation. Although some municipalities expressed ambitions aligned with co-creation and inclusive governance, participation seldom translated into shared decision-making authority. Instead, participation was largely used to manage dissent and legitimize predetermined outcomes. Nevertheless, this study highlights that participation may still hold intrinsic democratic value, such as fostering social cohesion, public learning, and trust, given that its purpose and influence are clearly communicated. The study concludes that for participation to contribute meaningfully to democratic governance, successful implementation and social sustainability, clearer institutional frameworks, political commitment, and a willingness to share power are essential.
Planning neighbourhoods for local living. New Urbanism ideas in practice
(2023-11-20) Zalalyte, Vejuna; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
This thesis explores the effect of New Urbanist planning theory on facilitating sustainable local living behaviours in inner city neighbourhoods. Drawing on the empirical evidence of two New Urbanist neighbourhoods in Lithuania and Sweden, the residents’ everyday lived experiences of the key guiding New Urbanist principles of density, mixed land use and walkability are explored. The effect of the built environment on local living behaviours in terms of the use of local services and travel behaviours are revealed. This study finds that geographical proximity to local services makes everyday life more convenient. Respondents choose the essential everyday services based on the closest option available and often choose to walk. For destinations within 1 km of the residence, respondents perceive walking and cycling as the preferred modes to the car, resulting in increased mix of modes and a reduction on car reliance. However, not all respondents’ activities are expected, or even desired, to be found locally, as there remains a wish for a change of scenery and to explore other areas occasionally. Respondents travel outside of the local area for occasional and more specialised activities in search of quality and variety. The study reveals that the design of the built environment is not the sole cause of residents’ behaviours and that personal preferences and values, as well as sociodemographic characteristics play a role. The respondents’ lived everyday experiences of density and mixed land uses also varies largely by sociodemographic profile and personal values, suggesting that there is a layer of subjectivity in how New Urbanist neighbourhoods are perceived.
Teleworking and the Countryside. An explorative thesis regarding telework as an enabler for residential relocations and life in the countryside
(2023-08-04) Böhm, Joel; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
The research on teleworking, and its spatial implications, is well explored. However, anticipations of a rising diffusion of teleworking never really got actualised, until a global pandemic emerged, and redrew the map of teleworking considerably. In current times of an exciting situation, in the research field around teleworking, this thesis draws on the relationship between teleworking and residential relocations, with an extra focus on relocations targeted the countryside. Two methods are utilised to carry out the research, one is quantitative, and one is qualitative. A more comprehensive statistical analysis is based on a survey, and a more in-depth thematic analysis is based on semi-structured interviews. Theoretically, this thesis draws on residential mobility, with a primary focus on the access-space tradeoff theory. The empirical findings show that current teleworking trends are by many both perceived and experienced as an enabling factor when it comes to residential relocations. Research have long pointed to that specific correlation, but given the earlier low diffusion levels of teleworking, the flexibility of working remotely from the regular workplace has not been raised as a valid factor in residential relocations. Findings also draws on that teleworking are perceived as a facilitating factor regarding work and everyday life, not least it applies to countryside dwellers. Further, it is emphasized that there is a strong potential regarding teleworking, and the circumstances that comes with it, to be a contributing factor for a living countryside.
The effects of Covid-19 on young adults´outdoor recreation habits. A comparison between Sweden and Mexico
(2023-05-17) Marin-Rodríguez, Jessica Joana; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
The Covid-19 pandemic, that became a global phenomenon in March 2020, has been causing disruptions globally and across all sectors. And, as nations around the world attempted to contain the spread, lockdowns and strong restriction were set in place, directly affecting peoples' time outdoors. Due to this, studies have surfaced explaining the effects of the pandemic on outdoor recreation habits across most demographic groups and in studies from all parts of the world. However, one demographic group; young adults and their outdoor recreation habits, have been somewhat overlooked by research and recreation experts, both pre- and post-pandemic, consequently creating a knowledge gap on the topic and in available recreation literature. By applying a series of focus groups and semi structured interviews, this thesis examines and gains knowledge regarding outdoor recreation habits of Swedish and Mexican young adults, and the effects the Covid-19 pandemic has had on their habits. Among other things, the results show a general move towards locally based recreation, changes in socialisation processes, and a series of motivational factors and constraints in young adults’ outdoor recreation habits. General implications and suggestions for outdoor recreation management in times of crisis are also identified and explored, with emphasis on themes such as safety, participatory processes, provision of adequate accessible spaces for recreation, and further research suggestions.
"They call us corona boys". A qualitative study of multilocal lifeworlds and social implications of multilocality during the Covid-19-pandemic in the area of Åre, Sweden
(2023-03-17) Ekecrantz, Nicolai; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
In accordance with contemporary scholars, the identified increase of urban-rural mobility during the pandemic testifies that multilocality, in terms of living an everyday life in more than one place, is gaining momentum (Di Marino, 2022; Willberg, 2021). In a Swedish context, however, the qualitative research on this emerging housing phenomena is sparse, despite the rich tradition of examining nonresidential housing in terms of second homes. Thus, by applying an explorative approach, this thesis aims to capture the phenomena of multilocality in the second home and tourism intensive recreational environment of Åre, Jämtland, in the light of the pandemic. The thesis focuses on the manifestations of multilocal lifeworlds and highlights potential social implications of having an everyday life in more than one place. Through ethnographic fieldwork and semi-structured interviews with 18 multilocal respondents, it emerges how the multilocal lifeworlds in Åre constitute a multifunctional, golden edged everyday life, providing a welcomed contrast to the urban work-oriented everyday, not least in the pandemic era. Moreover, the findings suggest that the pandemic and its effects, due to a shift of norms regarding remote working, acts as both an enabler and accelerator in order to establish and maintain the multilocal lifeworlds. Also, the thesis illustrates how the multilocal practitioners, by being both present and absent, faces social dilemmas which further reveals their position in between dichotomies of being resident and visitor, of being rooted and nomadic.
Safety in pedestrian tunnels. An interview study of elderly women and urban planners.
(2023-02-03) Ringeby, Louise; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
The Conundrum of Planning the Sustainable City
(2022-11-11) Ellysdotter, Felicia; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
According to the 11th sustainable development goal, cities should be developed in a democratic, sustainable, and inclusive way. A common planning strategy is the use of densification, which on one hand can lead to the lowering of a city’s emissions, however on the other hand put pressure on dealing with social issues. From the perspective of the planner’s triangle and based on a qualitative content analysis of comprehensive municipal plans in three major cities in Sweden, this thesis explores how the creation of an environmentally friendly city can be designed considering social issues as well as inclusive and democratic planning. The findings show that all the three cities’ comprehensives plans are set to develop an attractive and dense city, which in turn will increase the cities’ economic growth. This will be done with the development of high-quality green areas, city districts with environmental profiles, energy efficient housing, and housing for everyone. The following conclusions have been made; green areas are used to create a more social and spatial just city as a planning strategy in the studied cities comprehensive plans. Although when it comes to the development of environmentally friendly city districts and energy efficient housing, there is a lack of inclusivity and democratic perspective, which highlights the fact of the importance of including the aspect of social issues in environmental planning.
Elderly’s everyday travel as an effect of the pandemic. Understanding travel in Gothenburg from a capability and gender approach
(2022-08-23) Antonsson, Siri; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
People's everyday travel changed dramatically when the world was affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. One group that has been particularly affected by the pandemic, not least by limiting their social contacts or avoiding travel altogether, but also because of the high risk of becoming very ill, is elderly people. However, this is a group on which few qualitative studies have been carried out when it comes to their everyday travel during the pandemic. This study aims to increase understanding of everyday travel of elderly citizens in Gothenburg, during and after the pandemic, and as an effect of the pandemic. The thesis moreover aims to illuminate whether there is a gender dimension to how elderly citizens of Gothenburg make choices and adjustments in daily travel. Moreover, it aims to increase understanding of how this effect can contribute to sustainable mobility, and to identify learnings regarding adaptations of transport infrastructure to meet elderly citizens’ needs. The study is based on twelve semi-structured, in-depth interviews with elderly people between the ages of 65 and 91 who live in different parts of Gothenburg and either have access to a car or not. Results show that elderly people overall travel sustainably, with public transport being most respondents' primary means of travel before the pandemic. During the pandemic, travel decreased significantly and all respondents who had a car almost exclusively drove. All elderly people who had public transport as their primary mode of transport want to go back to it now after the pandemic, both because of economic and environmental factors. Some respondents cycle in the city and find it works well. However, both those who cycle and those who do not think that walking and cycling paths need to be improved and made safer if more elderly people are to continue cycling into old age. Public transport, on the other hand, is considered to be accessible and works well most of the time. The conclusions of the study are that 1) elderly citizens changed their travel during the pandemic where the car dominated but learned that they want to go back to a more sustainable and convenient travel where public transport, walking and cycling are the primary means of travel, 2) there are some differences in how elderly women and men reason when it comes to their own travel and their surroundings which is still important to consider in transport planning and 3) elderly people feel that Gothenburg's infrastructure is adapted and planned for a younger generation and see that walking and cycling paths, in particular, needs to be made safer and more accessible.
The voluntary carless and their leisure mobility
(2022-08-17) Florén Göransson, Anton; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
In the strive to decrease car dependence, novel ways of thinking about mobility is needed. In this regard, much can be learned from those who voluntarily have refrained from car ownership. However, few studies have focused on the leisure mobility habits of this group in particular. This thesis aims to advance knowledge about leisure related mobility of the voluntarily carless in Sweden, and by doing so, the thesis seeks knowledge and insights that can be useful in impacting future travel behaviour, specifically towards sustainable mobility. A thematic analysis drawing from ten in-depth interviews was used to identify important themes. Theoretically, the thesis draws from concepts rooted in time geography, namely the concept of constraints. The results of the thesis show that the voluntarily carless are experiencing constraints in relation to their leisure related mobility, for example, reaching peripherally located outdoor activities is shown to be especially hard for the voluntarily carless. The results also indicate that the voluntarily carless are dependent on others for their leisure related mobility. Examples include both attending social events as well as children's hobby or sport practices, which frequently constituted a dependency on other car owners in everyday life. Additionally, the results indicate several limitations in the transport infrastructure that is employed by the voluntarily carless, primarily regarding cycling infrastructure. Moreover, the results have been discussed from a planning perspective, identifying areas of improvement for carless leisure mobility as well as in how they could contribute to decreased leisure related car use.
Environmentally friendly, or friendly environment? Exploring environmental sustainability as a motive for residential mobility
(2022-08-10) Stööp Lindgren, Felix; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
Considering worldwide urban growth, and the challenges involved concerning sustainable development, the aim of this thesis is to broaden knowledge about the drivers and motivations concerning intra-urban residential mobility. With a specific focus on exploring environmental sustainability as a possible motive for residential mobility, the empirical data is gathered from fourteen semi-structured, in-depth interviews with residents in the Gothenburg metropolitan area, in Sweden. Departing from both classical and contemporary migration theory, as well as time-geography, the results from this study both confirm and evolve conclusions from previous research. It is found that, first of all, family matters. The desire to assure a safe and comfortable upbringing for one’s children seem to exceed all other matters. Secondly, proximity matters. However, proximity is first and foremost convenient in many aspects of life, and then as a bonus, it is also environmentally sustainable. While environmental sustainability is found have a rather week influence on residential mobility, is still largely affects individuals’ daily life through an array of mitigation strategies. The findings suggest that planners and decision makers must take a majority of the responsibility in making sure cities grow sustainably, through supporting and promoting its population to make decisions that are environmentally sustainable and planning the physical environment in a way that supports a sustainable development.
Where life happens. Proximity, everyday life strategies, and gender in the dense city
(2021-12-07) Brundin, Louise; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
This thesis is about the everyday life in the dense city, and gendered aspects of the everyday. Drawing on the fact that many cities densify in order to increase sustainability, and that gender differences in terms of mobility exist, this thesis takes an interest in how the everyday is achieved while living in the dense city applying theories of gender and time geography. This is done by studying one densified area in Gothenburg called Kvillebäcken, using time diaries in combination with interviews with residents living in the area. In terms of accessibility, the findings illustrate three strategies used while living in the dense city: strategy of the near, strategy of the near through digital options and strategy of the not-so-near. While an individual makes use of a combination of these strategies in order to perform everyday activities, the results illustrate that the strategy of the near stands out as a main strategy. Further, the strategy of the near through digital options is found to be a proximity strategy, supporting the strategy of the near. This study also shows that the move to a dense area encourages a shift towards more sustainable modes of transport, where the move eases an already existing sustainable modal choice or supports such a shift. The use of these transport modes tends to maintain over time. In addition, this study shows that gender structures are partly dissolved in the dense city. In the dense city, modal choice becomes a less gendered issue where men embrace women’s pattern of proximity and also, women and men share household responsibilities more equally. The dense city is a city more on women’s terms. Even if gender differences still remain in some respects, and some take new forms, the dense city supports gender equality.
Space-Time Autonomy by Proximity - A Qualitative Study of Girls´ Accessibility by Proximity in Gothenburg
(2021-11-03) Wilzén, Julia; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
The urban city is a melting pot of different people, groups of people, experiences, desires, and strivings organized within a shared space and connected through a variety of networks. In this shared urban space, it is important to create equal accessibility to places, services, and activities essential for people's everyday life. Accessibility is a crucial issue within urban planning and for a long period increased mobility has been promoted and formed our cities on the basis of high mobility. However, a paradigm shift may be on the horizon where proximity rather than mobility is emphasised as the most sustainable and inclusive path to accessibility. This thesis study aims to bring forward the experiences of girls’ mobility patterns and the role of proximity for their everyday accessibility. To address this issue semi structured interviews with girls in upper secondary school were conducted. Handling further distances has become part of the girls´ everyday life since they entered upper secondary school in the central city. For traveling further distances the girls are mainly dependent on public transport. However, due to less frequent departures during evenings in combination with gender related constrictions the girls’ mobility during late hours is constricted. Key places within the public traffic system that are meant to facilitate mobility and increase accessibility instead become a hindrance for the girls´ mobility and accessibility at evenings and nights as these places are often associated with anxiety. This especially has an impact on their everyday social relations. Proximity to places and activities create an independence of fast means of travel and within short distances slow modes of traffic can be used facilitating the girls' accessibility and ability to use their time more freely, thereby increasing their space-time autonomy.
Nature is just around the corner. Exploring experiences along the way of everyday walks
(2021-06-23) Skalleberg, Simon; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
With a growing interest in the potential sustainability and health benefits of walking and human-nature relations in urban areas, researchers have pointed out a need to consider the everyday settings people move around in. This study focuses on the perspectives of a walker along the way of everyday walks and how experiences shape human-nature relations. Based on a diary-photo-interview study with people living in Gothenburg, Sweden, experiences along everyday walks are presented. Analysis of the results show how routines and familiarity of walks play an important role in the perspectives and experiences along the way of everyday walks. Changes and incidental experiences in the surroundings can affect the perspectives along walks, especially in dynamic processes of seasons, weather, and animal and plant life. However, encounters and experiences along the way are processed through imagination and in relation to everyday life, to what has been, what is, and what could be. The paper concludes with a discussion on the role of the habitual and imaginative along everyday walks and how these roles shape people's relation to the surroundings and with nature.
TIME FOR SHIFT CHANGE IN THE FABRIC OF EXISTENCE Exploring the role of darkness and artificial light for humans and biodiversity
(2021-06-23) Strömgren, Maya; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
Den här uppsatsen tar avstamp i förlusten av biologisk mångfald, och då specifik förlusten av biologisk mångfald på grund av överflödigt artificiellt ljus under dygnets mörka timmar, även kallat ljusföroreningar. Den daglevande människan har utvidgat sina timmar från de naturligt ljusa till att inkludera dygnets alla timmar, vilket resulterat i minskat handlingsutrymme för den nattlevande flora och fauna. Tidigare forskning inom ämnet har fokuserat antingen på hur djur, insekter och växter påverkas av artificiellt ljus på natten, eller på hur människan påverkas av det samma. Kombinationen biodiversitet och människa ihop har dock inte undersökts, även om vi på lever samma jord. Därav dyker den här uppsatsen ner i det glappet genom att undersöka mörker och artificiellt ljus i förhållande till människan och biodiversitet. Utöver att undersöka, var syftet med den här uppsatsen att formulera möjliga vägar framåt för en bättre samlevnad under dygnets mörka timmar. En kvalitativ metod utfördes, bestående av en egenförfattad ”Mörkerdagbok” och promenad-intervjuer med en nattfjärilexpert, en fladdermusexpert och en ljusdesigner och ljuskonstnär. Teorin all-ekologi applicerades som en ontologisk utgångspunkt och geografisk verktygslåda, samt ”non-representational theory” (NRT) som en guide i utforskandet av upplevelsen. Resultatet från mörkerdagboken gav upplevelser av att känna sig närvarande i mörkret och samtidigt känslor av något mellan stress och utmattning av överkonsumtionen av ljus. Promenad-intervjuerna visade på komplexiteten i nattfjärilarnas (nattliga Lepidoptera) och fladdermusen brunlångörats (Plecotus auratus) “behovstidtabell”, där mörkret är ett krav och det artificiella ljuset en fälla eller en blockad. I både dagboken och intervjuerna framkom skymningen som ett centralt tema. Promenaden med ljusdesignern och ljuskonstnären underströk vikten av att erkänna utomhus som ett delat rum och att individuell medvetenhet om ljusföroreningar måste höjas och mötas av politiska och ekonomiska initiativ. Mörkerdagboken fyllde på med tankar om möjliga vägar framåt med koncepten ’lämna rum’ (uppbyggt från all-ekologins förståelse av ’äga rum’), vikten av tid, samt att vi måste omfamna mörkret för att kunna njuta av frukterna från det. På det hela taget så framhäver den här uppsatsen vikten av var och när det är mörker och ljus. Genom att lägga till hur, samt genom att uppmärksamma våra (som i alla levande) cirkadiska rytmer, så pekar den här uppsatsen i riktningen att det finns ett fundamentalt behov av ett skiftbyte i tillvaroväven.
How can socioducts contribute to urban social sustainability? A case study of the two eco/socioducts in Hammarby Sjöstad
(2020-08-29) Ekberg, Lisa; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
Since traditional methods of bridging physical barriers, such as roads and railways, have not fully solved the problem of creating safe and attractive environments, new solutions have emerged. Socioducts aims to bridge barriers, provide safe and inviting environments for pedestrians and cyclists, create social cohesion and connectivity. The construction is mentioned in several comprehensive- and detailed development plans around Sweden, but there are few completed examples that can be compared to its planned design. This study aims to investigate how socioducts can contribute to urban social sustainability, which is analyzed through qualitative interviews. The study seeks answers to which needs are guiding the planning of the construction and how users perceive socioducts. In order to understand how urban residents perceive socioducts, a case study has been conducted in Hammarby Sjöstad where two combined eco/socioducts have been built. Through qualitative interviews, users were asked questions related to the social aspects of the passages in order to understand what values of urban social sustainability the users perceives in socioducts. The findings show that the purpose of socioducts in creating social cohesion, providing an inviting environment and increasing accessibility, can be related to urban social sustainability in regard to several factors. From a planning perspective the need to create accessibility for vulnerable groups is highlighted where the socioduct may fulfill an important function. The studied cases can be attributed to aspects of urban social sustainability, as it appears that users of the passages in Hammarby Sjöstad perceive the constructions as safe, accessible and inviting, which in addition can be interpreted to have created cohesion and connectivity. It also becomes apparent that there is a need to separate the socioduct from its relation and banding to ecoducts in order to optimize its social effects.
Where is ‘elsewhere’ in biodiversity offsetting? A political-geographical exploration of values and localizations of offset measures in two development projects of Port of Gothenburg, Sweden
(2020-08-20) Abrahamsson, Oskar; University of Gothenburg / Department of Economy and Society; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för ekonomi och samhälle
Ekologisk kompensation är en relativt ny åtgärd vilket syftar till att minska förlusten av ekologiska värden i samband med stads- och infrastrukturutvecklingsprojekt. Tidigare forskning om ekologisk kompensation har främst riktat sig till policyutveckling, ekologiska effekter, samt nyligen också dess sociala och kritiska aspekter. Med undantag för den sistnämnda skaran undersöks sällan lokalisering av kompensationsåtgärder. Därmed tillkännages ofta kompensationsplatsen som någon annanstans. Likväl belyser den föreliggande masteruppsats hur det generiska och abstrakta ’någon annanstans’ sedermera materialiseras på marken. Med avsikt att ifrågasätta alltför abstrakta narrativ samt tillhörande effekter undersöks frågan om någon annanstans genom att överväga spänningar mellan systematiska och integrativa konceptualiseringar av den materiella världen. Empiriskt undersöker jag detta problem genom att fokusera på värdering av kompensationsarter samt förhandlingar om lokaliseringar av kompensationsåtgärder i två olika fall; ett landbaserat och ett marinbaserat. Det förstnämnda riktar sig till mindre hackspett (Dendrocopos minor) och hasselsnok (Coronella austriaca), medan det senare koncentrerar sig på det marina sjögräset ålgräs (Zostera marina). Båda fallen är konsekvenser av Göteborgs hamns rumsliga expansion. Uppsatsen undersöker således hur arter värderas socialt, huruvida de två fallen initialt prioriterar handlingen (kompensationsåtgärd) över sammanhanget (’någon annanstans’) samt potentiella förekommande praktiska begränsningar. Uppsatsens metodik vilar på en tematisk analys av empiriskt material, som består av intervjuer med aktörer samt fallspecifika dokument. Resultaten tolkas genom ett teoretiskt ramverk, bestående av svenska geografen Torsten Hägerstrands materiella ontologi (benämnd all-ekologi), tillsammans med analytiska insikter från politisk ekologi. Resultaten betonar hur värdering och urval av arter är förankrat i sociala praktiker och konventioner. Vidare fördjupar sig resultaten i hur aktörer konceptuellt förhåller sig till naturens ständiga förändringar. Detta sorteras in i fyra ’tysta utmaningar’, vilka är avgörande för hur aktörer planerar, omorganiserar och hanterar kompensationsplatser. Sammanfattningsvis vad gäller implementeringar så skiljer sig de två fallen; aktörer står inför kontrasterande utmaningar varför den givna praktiska situationen alltid är kritisk. Eftersom båda fallen inte inkluderat icke-experter i sina beslut, urval och förhandlingar, utarbetar jag slutligen en modell som kan inkludera berörda samhällen, invånare och andra. Detta för att mer demokratiskt förankra de drabbades åsikter och upplevelser i kompensationsarrangemang. Därmed har även icke-människor en större chans att också bli artikulerade som integrerande medlemmar av vår kontextuella samvaro.

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