Higher education as a political instrument. Higher education in Sweden is a tool for achieving different political aims. Universities thus have a complex mission. They are, among other things, to contribute to sustainable growth, gender equality, economic and social welfare and justice. Using Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of symbolic capital, this article analyses efforts in higher education in the Bergslagen region that are aimed at promoting regional growth and a democratization of higher education. The study has a particular focus on the degree to which these efforts have been gender-aware. The analysis shows that, because insufficient account has been taken of the local conditions prevailing, there is a risk of both gender and class relations being reproduced rather than challenged. It also shows that there is a clash of objectives between overall democracy and gender equality goals and concrete, visible and measurable aims.