En plats för unga : Framväxten av de kommunala ungdomsgårdarna i Stockholm 1947–1962

Sammanfattning: In recent years, the existence of youth centers in Stockholm has been disputed and voices have been raised for their dissolvement. This highlights the question the relevance of youth centers today, and why they were introduced in the first place. Earlier statements have linked the establishment of youth centers due to demographic development during the 1950s. However, previous research has identified the Swedish government’s ambition to assert control over youth through discipline and restrictions in schools and other organizations. Yet, the topic of the city-funded youth centers tends to have been overlooked. Therefore, this thesis aims to study city-funded youth centers in Stockholm during 1947–1962. Moreover, socio-spatial theory has been used to analyze the youth centers as producers of social space. Additionally, the emphasis is on representing space and spatial practices as driving forces in developing a space designed for young people. The thesis concludes that the youth centers aimed to limit the movement of suburban youth into the city center of Stockholm. Furthermore, they acted as an educational tool to secure the future of democratic citizenship.