Sweden is located in northern Europe in between Finland and Norway. Known historically for their Viking descent Sweden has rich and interesting background. Having been formed as a nation since the 16th century under Gustav Vasa, Sweden has since remained as a powerful country. The host country of the 2016 Eurovision has a unique culture and until recently it was easy to define the Swedes and their identity. They were people whom were born and lived in Sweden like many of their past ancestors, there were few minorities that consisted of Finnish and indigenous Sami. Now, the national identity of the Swedish can be built up around their traditions, language, democratic government, how they interact with the European Union (EU), and immigration.
Though there are many aspects that can shape the national identity of Sweden the most Important are their traditions. Swedish traditions have been around for a long time and are celebrated with family and friends. There are many traditions that vary depending on where you live in the country but there are a few that they entire country bands together to celebrate. To highlight a couple of Swedish traditions that occur throughout the year are Valborg and Midsummer. Celebrated since the middle ages Valborg is a day where bonfires are lit up across the country in order to recognize the beginning of the summer season for the country. Midsummer is another large festival enjoyed by many Swedes throughout the country and following Christmas is the most celebrated holiday. On the longest day of the year the Swedish throw a party surrounding a traditional maypole that is covered in birch leaves and flowers.
Swedish traditions are often named using the Swedish language which plays a big role in daily life in Sweden. The Swedish language is a distinct part of Sweden’s national identity. As a north Germanic language of Old Norse descent Swedish is spoken by more than nine million people most of whom are located in Sweden and Finland. Various debates in “Swedish media focus on issues such as the role of the Swedish language as compared to that of English, the role of knowledge of the Swedish language in the context of education and the labor market, and the role of language tests for citizenship” (Sundberg, 207). As a historically homogenous society the majority of swedes speak the official language. Its importance in both education and society itself are very prominent with many tests and requirement of the language in each. Although, with the large amount of immigrants moving into the country the importance of the language has become increasingly prevalent. “With 90 per cent of the population fluent in English” (Sundberg, 208). As immigration rates continue to rise how other languages began influence the country and the change in their society will be interesting to see.
Many are aware that Sweden is an accepting and forward thinking society; their government has proven to be deeply rooted in the creation of their national identity. Around seven million people are able to vote every four years in Sweden in order to choose someone to represent them at the Swedish Riksdag. This form of parliament has been around since the early 20th century and woman’s suffrage was added in 1921. The democratic government has led to many improvements to social welfare in the country. This government has given the platform for feminism, equal rights, and progressive social policies. The welfare state has many benefits for families as well, with parental leave being one of their most generous benefits. “New parents in Sweden are entitled to 480 days of paid leave per child at 80% their normal salary, capped at roughly $103 a day…They are free to split the time however they choose, although one parent must take at least 90 days” (Weller, 1). Many Swedes enjoy these benefits to the fullest with nearly all of citizens taking part. The country’s involvement with the EU has led to some issues that were once decided by the Riksdag are now decided by the EU.
Sweden has been a part of the EU since 1995 but many swedes were not fond of the idea. “The national narrative has been one which has emphasized Sweden's unique propensity towards democracy, freedom, and equality, institutionalized in the welfare state and celebrated both at home and abroad as the "Swedish Model"” (Tragardh, 18). The swedes pride themselves on their individualism one quote states “it is with every reason that we Swedes are proud of our country. It is a country where democracy is rooted not merely in the constitution, but also in our traditions and in the disposition of the folk" (Tragardh, 19). Many Swedes continue to be anti-EU regarding their own “Swedish Model” as superior and the fact that their model has proven to work continues to reinforce the idea to leave the EU. Another example of the Swedes dislike in the EU is the vote to not to take up Euro in 2003.
Immigration has become a prevalent Other in the makeup of Swedish identity. As the country evolves into a heterogeneous society there is a fear that they may disrupt the way of life of Swedish society. As immigration rates rise people bring in new traditions, perspectives, and language into the once homogenous country. Though with Sweden’s democratic society the some Swedes welcome the so called “New-Swedes” with open arms. Many hope that the new traditions will become a part of Swedish Culture while “New-Swedes” take up the old traditions of Sweden (Swedish Institute).
The national identity of Sweden can be represented by their traditions, language, democratic government, how they interact with the EU, and immigration. Traditions continue to shape the national identity of Sweden as many take part in the celebrations that have lasted for hundreds of years. The role of the Swedish language is an essential part of connecting people to each other and directly influences the Swedes connection to their country and history. As a democratic society the way the Swedish Model works helps differentiate them from other Nordic countries and the way others perceive them. Like many other countries the national identity of Sweden is complex and it is difficult to define them as a whole but, these qualities are the basis of who they are.
Works Cited
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Stephenson, George M. “Minnesota History.” Minnesota History, vol. 12, no. 4, 1931, pp. 413–416. www.jstor.org/stable/20160942.
Sundberg, Gunlög. "Language Policy And Multilingual Identity In Sweden Through The Lens Of Generation Y." Scandinavian Studies 85.2 (2013): 205-232. Academic Search Complete. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.
"Swedish Traditions – Old and New." Sweden.se. Swedish Institute, 19 Nov. 2014. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.
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Tragardh, Lars. "Welfare State Nationalism: Sweden and the Specter of the European Union." Scandinavian Review Spring 1999: 18-23. ProQuest. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.
Weller, Chris. "What It's like to Have Kids in Sweden." Business Insider. Business Insider, 11 Nov. 2016. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.
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