Humane or profane? - A qualitative study of the portrayal of harm reduction in Swedish

Abstract

This thesis explores the term “harm reduction“ in the context of drug policy and strategies as well as how the concept of harm reduction is potrayed in the Swedish printed media. This study is a qualitative document analysis with an explorative approach which analyses 15 articles from three of Sweden´s top selling daily newspapers during a set period of 24 years spanning from 1992 to 2016. To analyze the empirical material, we have used a theoretical approach which consists of Framing theory and Social Control. The results show that Harm reduction is a term with a broad and varied description, often described loosely with little or no deeper description, thus making it hard to grasp or fully understand. Harm reduction is often seen as synonymous with needle exchange programs or drug liberalization. Despite harm reductions treatment methods in application in over 20 other European countries together with evidence of its benefits, Sweden still maintains it restrictive, zero tolerance approach to narcotics policies with harsh punishments for users and addicts alike.