"Min röst spelar ju inte så stor roll" : Svenska ungdomars förhållande till demokratin

Sammanfattning: This study examines young Swedes’ support for democracy. Previous research suggests that many young people in Sweden are sceptical about the democratic governance as well as with democracy itself. However, there is a lack of qualitative studies within the subject - leaving the research field consisting of limited questionnaires. For a broader understanding, the study aims to go into depth with a qualitative semi-structured interview design. By applying the theory of postmaterialism carried out by Robert Inglehart, it is possible to gain an understanding of Sweden’s youth and their value orientation which might influence the support for democracy. The interviews were conducted with eight upper secondary school students at the Rudbeck school in Sollentuna, thereafter transcribed and thematically analyzed. The results are systematically divided into several categories, revolving around democracy as a state of governance and its principles, political participation and the functioning of democracy. The study finds that there is a discrepancy in supporting democracy in principle and instrumentally, among the participants. While there is a strong support for democracy as a form of governance as well as democratic principles, there is also criticism towards the government, the efficiency of the system, its availability and political institutions. The results are discussed and understood from a post-materialistic perspective, deepen our understanding of young individuals relationship with democracy.