Swedish popular movements

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The three major Swedish popular movements ( Swedish: folkrörelser ) in the 19th century were the free church revival movement , the abstinence movement and the labor movement . They emerged as a reaction to the patriarchal class society in Sweden at that time , in which large parts of the population, such as tenants, farm workers, industrial workers and women, were dependent on householders or employers and had no influence on their living situation.

In Sweden today, the three movements still play an important role, and there are other movements that have large membership.

The three "classic" Swedish popular movements

requirements

The Swedish estates society at the beginning of the 19th century was structured hierarchically and patriarchally. The majority of the population had no political or social influence. It was assumed that the landlords and employers represented their interests. In the event of conflicts between these groups, however, the state was usually on the side of the masters.

The social changes of the 19th century in the wake of land reforms, industrialization and the mobilization due to new means of transport tore many people from the traditional communities such as the village, parish, estate or extended family. New settlements with different values ​​than those of the agricultural society were built around industrial plants and railway stops. At the same time there was also a need for a new community that found expression in the union of like-minded people.

Role in the democracy process

In the middle of the 19th century, the three great Swedish popular movements, the free church revival movement , the abstinence movement and the labor movement emerged from these alliances . Although they were often led by people from the upper class, they reached and mobilized a broad masses who took important initiatives within these popular movements before their members were even recognized as responsible citizens. Swedish popular movements in this sense were not primarily a movement of the small people, but were directed against an outmoded, state authority and could therefore be supported by the bourgeoisie.

The popular movements were not only characterized by voluntariness and a large number of supporters / members, but were also democratically organized and had a strong ideological moment. They set people in motion, mentally and physically, and changed their lifestyle and view of society. Their activities often went beyond their narrower goals. For example, the abstinence movement carried out extensive educational work and was also extremely politically active on the issue of voting rights.

The popular movements made a significant contribution to the democratization of Sweden and reached their peak around 1900, but are still active today. By 1910 the religious movements within the free church awakening movement had over 200,000 members, the organizations of the abstinence movement had almost half a million members and the labor movement had around 300,000 members.

Modern popular movements

The three "classic" popular movements are still important organizations in Sweden, but other movements also involve many people. The following are among the modern popular movements.

• Heimatverein movement (Hembygdsrörelsen)
• Sports movement (Idrottsrörelsen)
• Women's Movement (Kvinnorörelsen)
• Choral Singing Movement (Körsångsrörelsen)
• Folk dance movement (Folkdansrörelsen)