Gränshandeln och sociala mötesplatser i pandemitid : En studie om sociala mötesplatsers betydelse i Töcksfors under Covid-19

Sammanfattning: This work examines the impact of the pandemic on a smaller society were cross-border shopping is a major player. The chosen location for the work is Töcksfors in Årgäng municipatly, were trade with Norway plays a central role for the location. We also want to investigate whether the shopping places established in Töcksfors function as important meeting places for the locals and whether this function and significance looks different due to the pandemic. As shops close and the access to premises is limited, we see it as interesting to investigate whether other places in the location have a different significance as meeting places than before the pandemic. What is the supply of alternative meeting places and what significance do these have when large facilities and premises that usually accommodate many people become empty? The work is based on previous facts about shopping as a meeting place, as well as collected data consisting of a survey where residents are given the opportunity to give their views on the social value of the shopping places. As a complement to the survey, an interview is also conducted with a business strategist who is active within the municipality, and a deacon within the Church of Sweden who is also one of two who is behind a citizen proposal that calls for meeting places. This is to further provide perspective on the situation.Based on our collected data in the form of literature, questionnaire study and two interviews, the conclusion is that trade is of importance as a meeting place in Töcksfors. But despite the trade's importance as a meeting place for the inhabitants, there is still a demand for new meeting places beyond shopping, which is partly something that could be stated extra muchduring the pandemic.