Gemenskap bland föreningsaktiva äldre : en kvalitativ intervjustudie.

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to examine how sense of community is defined, created and maintained among members of local associations of pensioners. A total of seven members from four different local associations in two municipalities in Southern Sweden were interviewed using a semi-restrictive interview structure. The local associations all belonged to the same national organisation. Five themes emerged around the dynamics of the sense of community in the associations: Definitions of sense of community, the individual in the collective, The significance of the activities for sense of community, Participation and influence and Avoidance of loneliness as a motivation for sense of community. The data was analyzed using Stenberg’s (2011) theory of mechanical and organic sense of community and Asplund’s (1987) theory of social responsivity. The study found that sense of community was described as associating with others in whose company one could feel safe, noticed and validated. Lastly, sense of community was created and maintained through a strategy of inclusion and socialization and a proper balance between predictability and openness to individual initiatives, needs and wishes.