The Home for the People at the Turn of the Century

Its Scandinavian Background and Actual Significance in Swedish Politics

Abstract

Home for the people, folkhemmet, is the quintessential modern Swedish keyword. It is now more popular than ever, and it is used in all kinds of ways, often in nostalgic and retrotopian manners. This study maps out and analyses the various early usages. It shows how previous research has misunderstood the polysemic character of the word, as folkhemmet was used in two distinct ways: as a name for a settlement institution – a usage imported from Germany (Volksheim) – and as a metaphor for the fatherland/homeland. This usage came from Norway and Denmark where folkehjem had a longer history and was used in a much broader sense compared to Sweden.

Home for the people, folkhemmet, is the quintessential modern Swedish keyword. It is now more popular than ever, and it is used in all kinds of ways, often in nostalgic and retrotopian manners. This study maps out and analyses the various early usages. It shows how previous research has misunderstood the polysemic character of the word, as folkhemmet was used in two distinct ways: as a name for a settlement institution – a usage imported from Germany (Volksheim) – and as a metaphor for the fatherland/homeland. This usage came from Norway and Denmark where folkehjem had a longer history and was used in a much broader sense compared to Sweden.