Svensk Hembygd eller Hemsk Svenskbygd : En studie av stereotyper bland svenskar som emigrerade till Amerika

Sammanfattning: The survey aims to investigate and analyze how the image of Sweden and "Swedish character” is produced in the correspondence between Swedish immigrants and family at home, compared to how the image of America and the U.S. is produced. The starting point is the concept of identity, which is shaped by the social group a person belongs, which can lead to stereotypes are formed. How does the Emigrant describe his new life in letters home to Sweden? What comparisons are made? What memories are passed from the time at home? How does the picture changes over time? How does the stereotypes change over time? The material used are remnants and secondary sources in the form of correspondence between emigrants and their relatives back home. This has been analyzed and compared based on the concept of identity, ethnicity and stereotyping theory. The survey results show that the emigrants in one way ore another are unhappy in their new country. However, by using strategies in the form of various stereotypes they successfully sustain their visions and defend their choices.