FINRUMMET – FRÅN REGEL TILL UNDANTAG Synen på finrummet i Sverige 1890–1980

Abstract

The Swedish finrum is an old phenomenon in Sweden. It can be found in different forms and with different names in all parts of Sweden, and in all social classes. Until modern times it could be found far and wide but today it is mostly gone; at least in the cities. A change must at some point have happened which made the once common finrum superfluous in Swedish homes. That is what this essay means to explore: How have people perceived the Swedish finrum? How has their perception of it changed, and what has influenced this change? These questions make the foundation of this essay. Through studies of source materials and prior research an understanding is made of different period’s view and understanding of the Swedish finrum during the period 1890-1980. Through a chronological journey from 1890 to 1980 a picture is made that show how different times have viewed the finrum; that is if they viewed it as positive or negative. In the discussion the change of perception of the finrum is explained in a chronological perspective, as well as the different factors that has influenced the change. The perception of the finrum has shifted greatly during the aforementioned period. Partly in a general way, but also depending on from which social class the source material comes. Generally the perception of the finrum can be viewed as very positive in the beginning, then it became progressively negative during the first half of the 20th century. Then the perception became more relaxed and positive until a branching occurs to the latter part of the 20th century. During the 1970´s the perception of the finrum is of different kinds in the cities and in the countryside. In the cities the finrum is no longer discussed; it has mostly been replaced by the modern living room. In the countryside the finrum is still very much alive and is perceived as a very positive thing. The factors that has had the greatest impact on the perception of the finrum was the public educators, the introduction of the television in swedish homes and the general goal of wanting to be modern. This essay has tried to contribute to the knowledge about the Swedish finrum. The author of this essay remains humble and ascertain that much more can be done research-wise on the topic. One interesting aspect which could be further researched is for example an continuation of this work from 1980 until present day. The Swedish finrum was very much alive on the countryside in the year 1980; is it still as present today? Can the finrum still be found in the cities today, or are they now extinct? Also; different source material would be interesting to use. Fiction, residence records, IKEA-catalogues and so on. The Swedish finrum is still to a large degree unexplored