What happened in Sweden – from a professional point of view

• In Event: What happened in Sweden last night? Studies on crime, gender, ethnicity and social class over the last 40 years

Abstract

The Swedish crime development has in a few decades changed its character to overall fewer but (a lot) more violent crimes, which several studies have established. But what did actually happen during these decades? And how can this be understood from the perspective of various professions that encountered crime and/or criminals during this time period? The aim of this study is to explore professional’s narratives about the change in criminality in Sweden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals who had been active in their profession during the past four decades or the better part of that time scope. All the chosen professions had in some way come in contact with crime and/or criminals. The interviews were coded and analyzed using a categorial-content, narrative analysis approach.

The interviews revealed that there was a shift in how society handled and viewed crime sometime between 1980’s and 2020’s. This shift was identified as a decisive difference in working methods which had the effect of giving crime the opportunity to change its character. The participants also talked about a shift in society that enabled a new way for criminals to operate in some ways similar to big companies and how they work with consultants or employees hired by the hour.

The professionals describe a society where some of the social control is lost due to authorities pulling back from the local context and that the effect is fewer – and weaker – social bonds which normally can prevent crime. Adding to that, some argue that the crime development in Sweden is a sign of society's multisystemic resilience failing.

Authors

• Evelina Davidsson, Department of Social work, Criminology and Public Health, University of Gävle

• Sofia Wikman, University of Gavle