Flygskam, klass och ändrade resvanor

Abstract

The concept of flight shame has raised awareness in Sweden under the year of 2019. It is closely linked to climate debates and knowledge about climate change and footprints due to flying. This has consequently led many Swedes to opt for train travel instead of plane flights. In relation to this, an internet forum called Tågsemester.nu has been launched where people can exchange train traveling ideas and get inspiration for holiday resorts from one another. This article analyses these narratives on train holidays with a particular interest in how they can be understood in terms of the perspectives of class and place. The concept of flight shame is discussed in relation to respectability. In support of the empirical material, I argue for an understanding of the train traveling practices, not only as climate active but also in particular practiced by an urban middle class. Traveling habits tend to get a biased understanding if only understood in terms of individual choices.