Frames of nostalgia and belonging: the resurgence of ethno-nationalism in Sweden

Gabriella Elgenius,Jens Rydgren

doi:10.1080/14616696.2018.1494297

Gabriella Elgenius, Jens Rydgren

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/14616696.2018.1494297

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Journal: European Societies	Publication Date: Jul 19, 2018
Citations: 72	License type: open-access

Affiliation: University of Gothenburg, Stockholm University

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the ethno-nationalist rhetoric promoted by radical right-wing parties in Europe; its perceived threats against national identity translated into a nostalgia for the past based on ethnic homogeneity. Five anti-immigrant frames have been especially instrumental in attracting voters, merging with other central components to construct a potent master frame and structuring much of the mobilizing activities of these parties. This development motivates a closer look into the ways in which the ethno-nationalist message is framed and constructed, taking Sweden as our case in point. The Sweden Democrats entered the Swedish parliament in 2010, an election that has come to mark the end of Swedish ‘exceptionalism’ and pointing towards the resurgence of ethno-nationalism in Sweden too. The Swedish case is analyzed with a focus on the Sweden Democrats particular ethno-nationalist message; the rhetoric of decline of golden ages and solutions posed to combat these alleged processes of decay. We depart from framing theory that allow us to better understand the centrality of the ethno-nationalist message, which demonstrates considerable continuity over time, despite the modernization of party rhetoric. Thus, the exclusive conceptualization of nationality as constituted by an ‘inherited essence’, proposes that Swedish identity is more than culturally assigned. The empirical material consists of Sweden Democrat party manifestos and position papers since 1989 and selected articles from the party newsletter (SD Kuriren).

Highlights

The resurgence of strong radical right-wing parties and movements constitutes one of the most significant political changes in democratic statesG
With the ethno-nationalist message in mind, we argue that there is considerable continuity regarding the diagnostic frames used by the Sweden Democrats over the past 20 years, whereas their motivational and prognostic frames are presented in somewhat less radical ways
We have highlighted the centrality of the ethnic nationalist message over time and how it contributes with other elements towards a potent master frame structuring much of the mobilizing activities of radical right-wing parties

Summary

Introduction

Few radical right-wing parties wish to return to the periods they idealize (Rydgren 2018) but they gain direction for a political project to reconstruct an otherwise doomed future on the basis of these Their ethnonationalist claims are closely associated with defining the nation that once was, through a historical origin, cultural heritage and significant national events. Migration, in general, and nonEuropean migration, in particular, has allegedly resulted in decay and decline of social safety due to ‘high crime numbers, divorces and broken homes, abortions and low Swedish nativity’ in the early party programs (SD 1989; 1994; 1999) These claims are expressed with more caution in terms of avoiding the ‘threats posed against our national identity or against our country’s welfare and safety’ later on (e.g. SD 2003– 2011). Such statements echoes, in part, the rhetoric of doom, a dying nation, its plight and dark future ahead (SD Kuriren e.g. 1996; 2001; 2003), expressed today with more caution

Conclusions and contradictions

Findings

Notes on contributors