Nationell identitet och överstatlighet : En kvalitativ innehållsanalys av regeringsförklaringar mellan 1995-2025

Sammanfattning

This paper examines how Sweden’s national identity has changed since the country joined the EU. It does so by analysing transcribed speeches held by the head of government at the opening of the parliament, usually in late September or early October each year. Four speeches ranging between 1995 and 2025 are being analysed and the method is mixed between quantitative and qualitative, although mainly centered around a qualitative analysis of the material. The expression ”national identity” is being operationalized, by creating four separate subcategories which different expressions regarding national identity can be sorted into, thus creating the opportunity to compare how national identity is being portrayed over time. The thoughts of Øyvind Østerud and Anthony D. Smith create the theoretical framework. The results show that Swedish national identity changes over time in both scope and content, but not linearly. References decreased in 2006, increased in 2015, and are most prominent in 2025. Recurring themes include gender equality, democracy, international responsibility, and Sweden’s moral or political capacity.The study concludes that EU membership has not replaced Swedish national identity. Rather, Swedish national identity has been reformulated in relation to the European Union.