Vad är problemet? En WPR-analys av representationen av problem, subjekt och lösningsförslag i arbetet mot nedskräpning i Angered.

Abstract

This thesis aims to broaden the perspectives on littering through a case study in Angered, a suburban area north of Gothenburg where littering has been identified as one of the major problem areas by citizens. The study is based on the governmentality inspired power analysis method WPR which examines how problems become problems based on how they are understood and thought of as problems and the consequences that follow. The focus of this study therefore is on the representations of subjects and problems in the national plan for littering prevention and four interviews of actors who, in one way or the other, deal with littering on a local basis. Through the analysis, five themes of solutions have been identified within the problem representations; ‘attitude and behavior changes through information/knowledge’, ‘attitude and behavior change through punishment’, ‘infrastructure and upkeep’, ‘cooperation and responsibility’ and ‘prevent waste creation’. The dominant representation tends to focus on the individual as the problem. hence the focus on changing the attitudes and behavior of the citizens is seen as the solution. To some extent ‘infrastructure and upkeep’ emerge as a representation and though it tends to target the individual also other aspects are considered. Some distinguish themselves from the general discourse by focusing on consumption and cooperation which contributes with a broader perspective on the problem. By scrutinizing the problem representation, a more holistic approach to littering can be achieved that discovers a broader set of aspects that otherwise would have easily been missed. This enables a more effective and long-term solution to littering.