Rudolf Kjellén och folkhemsideologin

En begreppshistorisk analys

Abstract

Rudolf Kjellén and the ideology of folkhemmet

Rudolf Kjellén is often described as a key ideological figure behind the concept of folkhemmet (the people’s home), a notion later popularized by Swedish Social Democracy. This article critically examines Kjellén’s actual use of the term and his broader ideological positioning. Through a conceptual historical analysis, it is argued that the prevailing interpretation of Kjellén as a folkhemsideolog is largely an anachronistic projection of later political developments onto his work. Kjellén only used the term folkhem once, in 1912, in direct opposition to socialist internationalism, and he did not develop it into a coherent ideological concept. The study highlights how the struggle over political concepts often occurs retrospectively, shaping historical narratives in accordance with contemporary ideological needs. By reassessing the historical usage and intent behind the folkhem concept, the article challenges conventional wisdom and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Swedish political history.