Reading the Stockholm riots – a moment for social justice?

Abstract

This article examines the 2013 riots in Stockholm in the context of other urban rebellions across disadvantaged metropolitan neighbourhoods in the North-Atlantic region over the past three decades of neoliberal transformation. The authors discuss the consequences of securitisation and police repression, institutional racism, the corrosion of citizenship and the structuring of inequality in Swedish cities. Beyond the violence of the recent riots, contemporary Sweden reveals the emergence of an autonomous, non-violent and organisationally embedded movement for social justice among young people contesting urban degradation and reclaiming the nation in terms of an inclusive citizenship, social welfare and democracy. The article asks whether the Stockholm uprising could possibly be read as a sobering moment of self-examination in Swedish politics that could open space up for new political voices.

Politics of Belonging: A Narrative on Activism in Sweden

“…They are concerned with segregation, social inequality and racism and focus on claims for civil and human rights, participatory democracy and renewal of disadvantaged suburban neighborhoods. They represent a grassroots mobilization that interconnects spatial with social (in-)justice and addresses issues of segregation, racism and welfare transformation (Schierup et al 2014).…”

Engaging politics : political participation in Brazil and Sweden, predicted by stereotypes about parliamentarians, political education and behavioral contagion

“…So, the conditions surrounding the death of the immigrant may have changed that episode, which is statistically insignificant, into a 'great happening' to immigrants living in Sweden (this idea is corroborated by Schierup, Ålund & Kings, 2014). Similarly, Damasceno, 2013;Fernandes, 2013;Lima, 2013;Ranthum, 2013 (Consolim, 2008;Jesus, 2013;McGuire, 1987;Nye, 1973).…”

“…(Bertoncelo, 2009;Bethell, 2008;Borges Filho, 2010;Gohn, 2009). In May 2013, in Sweden, a wave of violent demonstrations after the killing of an immigrant with indications of police brutality and racial prejudice (Hansson, Cars, Ekenberg & Danielson, 2013;Schierup, Ålund & Kings, 2014). In June 2013, demonstrators all over Brazil joined demonstrators in São Paulo asking for reduction of bus fares, criticizing the brutal police repression, and the biased coverage of the 'mainstream media' against demonstrations (Damasceno, 2013;Lima, 2013;Vion-Dury, 2013).…”

“…Moreover, the country experienced a wave of protests flared up by violent episodes involving racism and xenophobia (Malmberg, Andersson, & Östh, 2013) The episode put light on the discussion about the effective access of immigrants to public services, racial discrimination and youth unemployment, notably regarding Muslim immigrants (Hansson, Cars, Ekenberg & Danielson, 2013;Schierup, Ålund & Kings, 2014). According to Hirvonen (2013) (Eger, 2010;Davidsson & Marx, 2013;Schierup, Ålund & Kings, 2014).…”

“…According to Hirvonen (2013) (Eger, 2010;Davidsson & Marx, 2013;Schierup, Ålund & Kings, 2014). Affirming to be favorable or against immigration is now a core point to define the political positioning of parties in Sweden, as it instills the issue of state funds allotment in social wellbeing (Eger, 2010).…”