Medborgarnas kamp för Trädgårdsstaden Bromma - om ökad delaktighet i planering som potentiellt medel för självsegregation

Sammanfattning: This thesis aims to investigate the relationship between public participation and self-segregation. The Delegation for Sustainable Cities (2012) argue that it is problematic that measures against segregation often are project-based, with a unilateral focus on socioeconomic weak areas. The strong opposition that urban planners meet when implying efforts against segregation in socioeconomically strong areas, on the other hand, are rarely discussed. This thesis will focus on this resistance through the case of The Garden City Bromma, Stockholm. In the master plan of The Municipality of Stockholm (2018) the aim is to create a more socially cohesive city by the strategy of increasing public participation. This study therefore intends to asses this method through the lens of critical participation theory. Moreover, a discussion will be held on the potential conflicts of The Municipality of Stockholm’s strategy. Three in-depth interviews have been conducted with the municipality and a local association. Additionally, document studies have been performed. The resistance of the citizens may contribute to preservation of existing segregation structures. When using participation as a basis for urban development, it is essential to ensure the democratic aspects of the process. Otherwise participation risks becoming a means for the interests of socioeconomically strong groups.