Tiggeriets Symboler : En studie om beteende och strategier i en mellansvensk stad

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study was to reveal typical strategies used by beggars in Sweden and how interactions between beggars and passers-by affect behavioral patterns. The study aimed to analyze the results of the observation through a symbolic interactionistic perspective in order to reveal meanings of symbolic interactions in the begging encounter. The study was conducted in an ethnographic manner and the method of use was covert observation. The result showed that there are several types of strategies and symbols used by beggars in Sweden. The most used strategy is the passive, sitting type of begging where signs and photographs are used as symbols to convey distress. The study showed that the use of strategies are general, meaning there is no difference in use of strategies dependent on gender or age.  Furthermore, the study indicated that a connection between begging and organized crime is improbable. Moreover the study showed different counter strategies used by passers-by in the begging encounter.