DET NYA FOLKHEMMET?; En socialantropologisk studie om subjektiv trångboddhet, kollektivism och stigmatisering i ’utsatta’ områden

Abstract

The aim of this study is to research the subjective experience of cramped housing. The main argument centred around the need to explore the subjective dimension of cramped housing, as this aspect has been relatively neglected in previous research compared to the objective aspects. The primary focus of the thesis is to research the experiences of individuals directly affected by cramped housing in suburbs and amplify their voices on the matter. The thesis is written in Swedish and utilises a combination of interviews, observations, and participatory observations as the primary research methods. The theoretical framework is based on three key concepts: subjective cramped housing, stigmatisation, and collectivism. The findings revealed that despite physical proximity, cramped housing often resulted in a sense of distance within households. Interestingly, the study also highlighted how cramped housing can be viewed as a preferred living standard in non-European cultures. However, for some households, the lack of space and the immense social pressure proved overwhelming and exhausting, while for others, it was accepted as a way of life. The study further illustrated how cramped housing led to stigmatisation, causing individuals to feel different and ashamed. In conclusion, subjective cramped housing represents a structural issue that impacts both individuals living in cramped spaces and society at large. It encompasses a complex range of experiences, including positive aspects such as collectivism, but also negative aspects such as a lack of privacy and stigmatisation.