Folkhemmets återkomst: Från solidaritet till särart

Abstract

This study aims to present how the Swedish concept of ‘Folkhemmet’ (‘The People’s home’) is articulated within Socialdemokraterna (Swedish Social Democratic Party) and Svergiedemokraterna (Sweden Democrats). The thesis is specifically based on a comparison between the parties, in relation to their distributive policies and ideas regarding the ‘folkhem’. Drawing on a qualitative idea analysis of political texts and statements, the study proves rhetoric similarities in how the concepts are constructed by the parties. However, it is also showing that their core values regarding social distribution are opposing each other. While Socialdemokraterna historically associated its welfare ideas towards universal rights for education, health care, education and residence, Sverigedemokraterna redefined the term with nationalistic and exclusionary signification. By establishing a theoretical framework that is distinguishing the concepts of ‘general’ and ‘ethnic’ welfare, the findings are providing evidence proving similarities and differances regarding how both parties are building the story of the ‘folkhem’.