Från medborgare till konsument ? : En kvantitativ komparativ studie av institutionell tillbakagång i Sverige 1986-2023 med utgångspunkt i Bauman och SOM-data.

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines the structural transformation of Swedish society between 1986 and 2023, focusing on changes in collective and individual forms of social participation. The purpose is to analyze whether participation in formal organizations has declined in favor of more individualized, lifestyle-oriented activities, and how these changes relate to age and educational differences. The study is grounded in Zygmunt Bauman’s theory of liquid modernity, emphasizing individualization and shifting forms of social integration. The empirical material consists of survey data from the SOM Institute at the University of Gothenburg, based on nationally representative samples from 1986 and 2023, with up to 11,688 respondents. The study applies quantitative methods, primarily cross-tabulations, complemented by measures of association (Cramér’s V) and odds ratios to assess changes over time and across social groups. The results show a clear decline in institutional participation over time. Trade union membership among respondents aged 15-24 decreased from 46,5% in 1986 to 18 % in 2023, while political party membership also declined substantially. In contrast, individual physical activity increased from 44,1% in 1988 to 73,4% in 2023, indicating a shift toward more individualized forms of engagement. The analysis further indicates increasing social stratification. Individuals with lower levels of education show a stronger rise in institutional exclusion compared to higher-educated groups. This is reflected in higher odds of non-membership in institutional organizations in 2023, particularly among lower-educated respondents. In conclusion, the findings suggest a broader transformation in social participation, where collective engagement has weakened in favor of individualized practices. This shift is unevenly distributed across social groups, indicating increasing differentiation in social integration and belonging.