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  • 1.
    Andersen, Rebecka
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Segnestam Larsson, Ola
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Svenska ideella organisationers mervärde i biståndet2014Report (Other academic)
    Abstract [sv]

    Syftet med denna rapport är att beskriva och analysera olika aktörers uppfattningar om svenska ideella organisationers mervärde inom biståndet. Med hjälp av intervjuer med ett antal representanter för olika aktörer med kunskap och erfarenhet av det svenska biståndsarbetet och analyser av existerande dokument behandlas i denna rapport de svenska ideella organisationernas roller, särarter och mervärden inom det svenska biståndet. De empiriska resultaten visar att organisationernas roller visserligen har förändrats över tid, från att fungera som pionjärer till att mer fungera som röstbärare och organisatörer av tjänster, men att de ideella organisationerna anses vara fortsatt betydelsefulla i biståndet, även i framtiden. Särarterna framträder tydligast i jämförelser med antingen ideella organisationer i andra länder eller med företag och offentliga organisationer i Sverige, och inkluderar alltifrån organisationernas historia och folkrörelsebakgrund till den icke‐vinstdrivna profilen, organisationernas värdegrund samt förmågan att kunna agera autonomt och verka i olika kontexter. Ett antal mervärden identifieras också, till exempel den svenska kontexten och folkrörelseförankring, mångfalden i det svenska civila samhället, arbetet med demokratiska och mänskliga rättigheter, röstbärarrollen och påverkansarbetet, effektivitet till följd av lång erfarenhet och kunskap, lokal förankring och välutvecklade nätverk samt ett partnerskap där stödet sträcker sig utöver det finansiella och långsiktigheten i partnerskapen. Rapporten visar också hur det förekommer föreställningar om att särarterna och mervärdena har förändrats över tid. Det är dock oklart om de minskar eller ökar i kraft eller om det mer handlar om förändringar från en form till en annan. Avslutningsvis efterlyses ett mer nyanserat förhållningssätt till svenska ideella organisationers mervärde i biståndet.

  • 2.
    Andersson, Eva
    et al.
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Bernerstedt, Mats
    Forsmark, Jan
    Rydenstam, Klas
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences. Södertörns högskola.
    Cirkeldeltagare efter 65: Livskvalitet och aktivt medborgarskap2014Report (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    What is the significance of participating in study circles? Does the state achieve its objectives for providing financial support to study circles? This evaluation seeks to answer these questions based on register data, focus group interviews and a survey involving circle participants during 2012 who were 65 years or older.

    Nineteen per cent of the population at large is 65 years old or more. In the study circles, 36 per cent were at least 65 years old, which means that almost 240,000 older people participated in study circles in 2012, 70 per cent of whom were women. The proportion of study circle participants in the age group 65+ has increased steadily over the last twenty years. Two-thirds of the older study circle participants were found in ABF and Studieförbundet Vuxenskolan, while this age group was underrepresented in the other eight study associations.

    The study includes an analysis of the state’s objectives for supporting folkbildning. The current objectives have grown out of a process following the introduction of management by objectives in 1991. For most of the century during which the state has provided support for study circles, however, there have been no expressly stated objectives. Nevertheless, there are clear historically entrenched ideas and motives for supporting activities that benefit culture and democracy and for that folkbildning has a role to play both at the individual and the societal level. The analysis summarises the state’s objectives in that these focus on contributing to increasing the opportunity of all citizens to participate in various aspects of social life on an equal and democratic basis.

    The evaluation makes references to research on democracy, citizenship, social capital and civil society. For issues involving older people, the research involves, among other things, successful ageing and activity theory.

    There is a significant distance between the reality of study circles and the state’s objectives in providing them with support. The objectives also extensively overlap one another, something that is discussed and problematised in the report. Bearing these difficulties in mind, the results of the evaluation can be presented broken down into the different objectives.

    The first objective: To support activities that help to strengthen and develop democracy

    The first objective is that the state support for folkbildning should “support activities that help to strengthen and develop democracy” (freely translated). Study circle participants aged 65+ are found to vote in elections to a greater extent (90 per cent) than the same age group in the population as a whole (84 per cent). Study circle participants are also more involved in voluntary work than others in the same age group; they are more active in voluntary organisations, and they use their study circle skills as members of these organisations. Study circle participants who are also involved in voluntary work use their study circle skills to a greater extent than others to influence society. The study cannot provide an answer to what causes what; there is probably some interaction, so that those who are already active have a higher propensity to engage in more, something that is known as ’cumulative citizenship’.

    The study circle ideal of participatory influence and collaborative work within the group has become stronger since a similar survey in 2008. Study circles can be considered as functioning as ’schools of democracy’ and serve as a recruiting ground for civil society organisations. Many study circle participants believe circle participation made them better at working together (30 per cent) and better at listening (40 per cent) – skills that can be said to strengthen their ability to be active citizens. The numbers are even higher for persons with disabilities.

    The second objective: To help make it possible for people to influence their own life situation and create commitment to participate in community development

    The second objective is “to help make it possible for people to influence their own life situation and create commitment to participate in community development” (freely translated). The study shows that study circle participation often leads to increased feelings of happiness and well-being (90 per cent) and some people felt more confident as a person (25 per cent). A sense of community is a strong incentive for participating in study circles, and this in no sense contradicts the fact that participants feel they have gained useful knowledge and skills. Very few people felt that they had been badly treated in the study circle. Many people aged 65+ make new friendships in study circles. It can be said that study circles provide bonding social capital. They create meaning in everyday life and help to make it possible for the individual to feel in control and have power over their own life. Study circles contribute to what can be called “successful ageing”. 

    For at least half of the study circle participants, the study circle, regardless of the subject, acted as an arena for discussions about social issues. This is particularly true in association- and companion circles. Discussions on such matters are not just a safety valve for airing opinions. Almost a third say that these talks influenced their own opinion. The same percentage says that discussions about social issues in study circles also led them to act in contexts outside the study circle.

    The third objective: To help level out educational disparities and raise the level of enlightenment and education in society

    The third objective for the state support for folkbildning is “to help level out educational disparities and raise the level of enlightenment and education in society” (freely translated). For study circle participants aged 65+, study circles have an important function for them to be able to study in a systematic way. Many people in this age group have not previously had that many opportunities to study, and study circles can compensate for deficiencies in schooling, thus helping to raise the level of enlightenment and education in this group.

    Although computers were hardly used in the actual study circles among older people, 40 per cent of the study circle participants say that they have been inspired to use the internet. For learning in general, the study circle leaders play an important role. For most participants, study circle participation has inspired them to learn more about the subject or to join more study circles.

    The fourth objective: To contribute to broadening the interest in culture and increase participation in cultural life

    The fourth objective is “to contribute to broadening the interest in culture and increase participation in cultural life” (freely translated). Two-thirds of the older study circle participants state that study circle participation, regardless of the subject, has positively influenced their creativity. This figure is even higher for persons with disabilities. More than half had been inspired to participate in cultural activities. Of those who said that the study circle, regardless of subject, had given them new skills, which was the majority, one in twenty stated that they made much use of the knowledge and skills they gained in the study circle as practitioners in cultural activities.

    Summary assessment

    The study circle experience is largely positive. Most study circle participants aged 65+ feel they have gained knowledge and skills, they have increased their social network and they have participated in meaningful activities.

    The report illustrates the difficulties in answering the question of whether the state’s objectives have been met. It is unclear, for instance, whether the intention is for these to be fulfilled in every study circle, or simply in study circle activities as a whole.

    In light of this, the overall assessment can be made that the state’s objectives in supporting folkbildning are met in a variety of different ways based on how study circle participants in the age group 65+ perceived their own study circle participation. 

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  • 3.
    Cras, Patrik
    et al.
    Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet.
    Essen, Johan vonMarie Cederschiöld University, Centre for Civil Society Research.Hansen, KjellSveriges lantbruksuniversitet.Nordfeldt, MarieKarlstas universitet.Åberg, PelleMarie Cederschiöld University, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Landsbygdernas och de mindre orternas civilsamhällen2022Collection (editor) (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    This report introduces, with an empirical focus on Sweden, the field of research that emerges when rural research and civil society research intersects. The texts in the report was presented at a conference titled Civil societies of rural areas and smaller towns in 2021. The report is intended as an introduction to current research on this theme and we believe it can be interesting reading for both those active within civil society organisations and those active within authorities, regions and municipalities who relate to rural civil society in their work.

    The report opens with a chapter that gives an overview of how civil society research and rural research has developed over time and discusses the need of research in the intersection of these two fields, research that focuses on the civil societies of rural areas. The other chapters present current research on rural civil societies, the research included covers a wide spectrum of different methods and different theoreticial perspectives.

    Following the introduction, the report presents research that describes differences and similarities in civil society engagement between urban and rural areas in Sweden, deals with how access to service also can affect trust in institutions and discusses the importance of emotions in relation to civil society engagement and community development. Furthermore, an overall picture of the state of knowledge about social innovation as a response to rural societal challenges is presented, with a particular focus on the role of civil society and its cooperation with other actors.

    Based on a study of civil society projects financed with public funds one chapter discusses how these financial resources are transformed into intangible resources for the benefit of the local community. The report also contains chapters that discuss civil society’s alternative educational paths that start from places’ own conditions, social movements for sustainability in the Swedish-Sámi countryside, and a final chapter that discusses how citizenship is reshaped when residents in rural areas and smaller towns increasingly need to rely on civil society’s solutions in order to have access to local everyday services and basic infrastructure.

  • 4.
    Cras, Patrik
    et al.
    Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet.
    Essen, Johan von
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Nordfeldt, Marie
    Karlstads universitet.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion.
    Om lantbrukarnas riksförbund som folkrörelseorganisation: Lokalavdelningarnas betydelser på landsbygden2022Report (Other academic)
  • 5.
    Cras, Patrik
    et al.
    Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet.
    Essen, Johan von
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Ett möte mellan civilsamhällesforskning och landsbygdsforskning2022In: Landsbygdernas och de mindre orternas civilsamhällen / [ed] Patrik Cras; Johan von Essen; Kjell Hansen; Marie Nordfeldt; Pelle Åberg, Uppsala: Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet, 2022, p. 15-36Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 6.
    Cras, Patrik
    et al.
    Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet.
    Nordfeldt, Marie
    Karlstads universitet.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion.
    Essen, Johan von
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Kan civilsamhället lösa landsbygdens samhällsutmaningar?2023In: Hållbar samhällsplanering för landsbygden: Service, infrastruktur och välfärd för goda livsvillkor / [ed] Susanne Stenbacka; Brita Hermelin, Malmö: Gleerups Utbildning AB, 2023, p. 165-182Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 7.
    Essen, Johan von
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Larsson, Timmy
    Institutionen för pedagogik och didaktik, Stockholms universitet.
    Nordzell, Anita
    Institutionen för pedagogik och didaktik, Stockholms universitet.
    Sundgren, Gunnar
    Institutionen för pedagogik och didaktik, Stockholms universitet.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Mening på marknad?2012In: En mosaik av mening: Om studieförbund och civilsamhälle / [ed] Johan von Essen; Gunnar Sundgren, Göteborg: Daidalos, 2012, p. 277-298Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 8.
    Essen, Johan von
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Folkrörelseanknytningar och marknadsrelationer: studieförbunden och deras grundarorganisationer, medlemsorganisationer och samverkansorganisationer2009Book (Other academic)
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  • 9.
    Essen, Johan von
    et al.
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Landsbygdens civilsamhällen som bärare av resurser2022In: Landsbygdernas och de mindre orternas civilsamhällen / [ed] Patrik Cras; Johan von Essen; Kjell Hansen; Marie Nordfeldt; Pelle Åberg, Uppsala: Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet, 2022, p. 67-80Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 10.
    Larsson, Mattias
    et al.
    Nätverket - Idéburen sektor Skåne.
    Vega, Eddie
    Nätverket - Idéburen sektor Skåne.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion.
    Civilsamhället i Uppsala län: En kartläggning av omfattning och utbredning 20222023Report (Other academic)
    Download full text (pdf)
    Civilsamhället i Uppsala län
  • 11.
    Larsson, Mattias
    et al.
    Nätverket - Idéburen sektor Skåne.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion.
    Civilsamhälleskartan Värmland: Civilsamhället i siffror 20232023Report (Other academic)
    Abstract [sv]

    Värmlands civilsamhälleskarta är en rapport som ger kunskap om civilsamhällets struktur och utbredning i Värmland. Den är tänkt att vara ett underlag för utvecklad dialog och samverkan mellan länets olika aktörer såsom kommuner, region och idéburna organisationer.

  • 12.
    Nordvall, Henrik
    et al.
    Örebro universitet.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Folkhögskolan som myt: Om global spridning och användning av nordiska folkbildningsidéer2011In: Pedagogisk forskning i Sverige, ISSN 1401-6788, E-ISSN 2001-3345, Vol. 16, no 1, p. 1-17Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [sv]

    I artikeln uppmärksammas hur nordiska folkhögskoletankar spridits globalt. Möjligheterna att studera denna spridningsprocess med analytiska verktyg från nyinstitutionell organisationsteori diskuteras. Framförallt mytbegreppet bildar utgångspunkt för diskussionen. Utifrån en genomgång och tolkning av internationell litteratur presenteras tre idealtypiska spridningsmönster för folkhög-skoletanken (migration, inspiration och export), vilka illustreras med hjälp av exempel på utbildningsinstitutioner från Japan, USA, Tanzania, Argentina och Bangladesh, och hänvisar till folkhögskolan som förebild. Artikeln uppmärksammar att frågan om hur olika föreställningar om folkhögskolan använts för att legitimera och organisera varierande typer av vuxenutbildningsinstitutioner och verksamheter världen över rönt betydande internationellt intresse, men att den ägnats nästan obe-fintlig uppmärksamhet i svensk pedagogisk forskning. Att studera folkhögskoletan-kens spridning med hjälp av verktyg från nyinstitutionell organisationsteori pekas ut som en möjlig och generativ forskningsingång som kan bidra till kunskapsutvecklingen inom svensk folkbildningsforskning och länka denna till internationell jämförande pedagogisk forskning.

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  • 13.
    Rodin, Johnny
    et al.
    Södertörns högskola, Institutionen för samhällsvetenskaper.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences. Södertörns högskola, Institutionen för samhällsvetenskaper.
    Fatherhood across space and time: Russia in perspective2013In: Baltic Worlds, ISSN 2000-2955, E-ISSN 2001-7308, Vol. 6, no 3-4, p. 21-28Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 14. Rutgersson, Thor
    et al.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Cirkelns betydelser: En studie om deltagare i studieförbundens studiecirklar 20192020Report (Other academic)
    Abstract [sv]

    Studiecirkel är ett välkänt begrepp för många i Sverige, och många har personliga erfarenheter av att delta. Bara under 2019 sökte sig nästan 600 000 personer till de studiecirklar som landets tio studieförbund erbjöd.

    Vad betyder deras deltagande? Vad får deltagarna ut? Hur kommer cirkelstudierna till användning? Rapporten Cirkelns betydelser– En studie om deltagare i studieförbundens studiecirklar 2019 visar på en mångfacetterad verksamhet med många olika betydelser. Det handlar om var och ens personliga intressen och behov av att växa som människa, om att bygga nätverk och tillit och få nya vänner, och om att lära för både arbete och föreningsliv.

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    fulltext
  • 15.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Att lära, umgås och må bra som äldre: Studiecirkeldeltagande och sociala aspekter av lärande2018In: Socialmedicinsk Tidskrift, ISSN 0037-833X, Vol. 95, no 5, p. 539-548Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [sv]

    Hur påverkar deltagande i informellt lärande äldres självuppskattade välmående? Detta undersöks här med hjälp av en rikstäckande enkätundersökning av studiecirkeldeltagande.

    Resultaten visar att cirkeldeltagande har positiva effekter på äldres välmående. Som väntat hävdar deltagarna att deras kunskaper och färdigheter har ökat men betydelsen av deltagandets sociala dimension är det som framträder tydligast. Gemenskapen som skapas i studiecirkelns informella miljö är både ett viktigt motiv för deltagande och ett viktigt utfall av att ha deltagit.

    En informell lärandekontext verkar bistå med en miljö som har positiva effekter på äldres välmående genom att fostra en känsla av tillhörighet och ge möjlighet att bli del av en gemenskap som kan vara en hjälp i att undvika social isolering och ensamhet.

  • 16.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Södertörns högskola.
    Begreppslig förvirring och ryskt civilt samhälle2003In: Nordiskt Östforum, ISSN 0801-7220, Vol. 17, no 4, p. 487-502Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 17.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Södertörns högskola.
    Bjørnen vågner: Virksomhedsledelse og mennesker i USSR og Rusland 1990–19992008In: Nordisk Østforum, ISSN 0801-7220, E-ISSN 1891-1773, Vol. 22, no 3-4Article, book review (Other academic)
  • 18.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Change in Motion or Processing Change2011In: Nordic Civil Society at a Cross-Roads: Tranforming the Popular Movement Tradition / [ed] Filip Wijkström, Annette Zimmer, Baden-Baden: Nomos , 2011, p. 151-176Chapter in book (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This chapter analyzes different perspectives dealing with organizational change and the dissemination of ideas and practices between different contexts. Through an investigation into projects featuring cooperation between Swedish and Estonian civil society organizations, the chapter demonstrates how different concepts brought together can further our understanding of such processes.

  • 19.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences, Avdelningen för forskning om det civila samhället. Södertörns högskola.
    Civil Society and Biopolitics in Contemporary Russia: The Case of Russian "Daddy-Schools"2015In: Foucault Studies, ISSN 1832-5203, E-ISSN 1832-5203, no 20, p. 76-95Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This article deals with civil society organizations active in the field of family policy and demographic issues in contemporary Russia, using Michel Foucault’s concepts of biopolitics and governmentality. More specifically, so called “daddy-schools” that have emerged in and around Saint Petersburg since 2008, are studied, using interviews and documents. The analysis shows that the organizations work as a complement to the state but have also been able to influence policy, alter legislation and challenge the established assumptions and governmentality of the Russian state concerning parenthood, the “good” father and how to deal with the ongoing demographic crisis and increase fertility.

  • 20.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Södertörns högskola.
    Civil Society in Different Guises2005Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 21.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Social Sciences, Institute for Civil Society Research.
    Civilsamhälle på export: Studiecirklar och pappaskolor2017In: Civilsamhället i det transnationella rummet / [ed] Filip Wijkström; Marta Reuter; Abbas Emami, Stockholm: European Civil Society Press , 2017, p. 249-280Chapter in book (Refereed)
  • 22.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Co-operating across borders: adult education and transnational civil society co-operation2009In: The State, Civil Society and the Citizen: exploring relationships in the field of adult education in Europe / [ed] Michał Bron Jr, Paula Guimarães, Rui Vieira de Castro, Frankfurt am Main: Lang , 2009, p. 131-147Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 23.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Den vilda jakten på legitimiteten2012In: En mosaik av mening: Om studieförbund och civilsamhälle / [ed] Johan von Essen; Gunnar Sundgren, Göteborg: Daidalos, 2012, p. 105-136Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 24.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Empowering Citizens or Pleasing Customers?: Commercialization and Tradition in Swedish Study Associations2011Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 25.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion.
    Guest Column: Study Circles Foster Friendship and Well-Being2016In: Aging Horizons BulletinArticle in journal (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
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  • 26.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences. Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Managing expectations, demands and myths: Swedish study associations caught between civil society, the state and the market2013In: VOLUNTAS - International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, ISSN 0957-8765, E-ISSN 1573-7888, Vol. 24, no 3, p. 537-558Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Several challenges, external and internal, to the identity and position of civil society organizations exist today. Organizations may be tempted or coerced into closer cooperation with the state. There are also incentives to become more market oriented. This article deals with such struggles in Swedish study associations and how these organizations attempt to gain legitimacy. The tradition of the organization is an important legitimating aspect and so is efficiency. These two aspects can complement each other but may also collide. The article demonstrates how civil society organizations handle an influx of market logics and trends of professionalization when these clash with a civil society identity. The findings indicate that different isomorphic processes are at work. Cultural resources are used to handle conflicting myths, leading to varied discursive strategies and incidences of decoupling.

  • 27.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences, The Institute for Civil Society Research. Södertörns högskola.
    Medborgarskap och utbildningens instrumentalisering: Martha Nussbaum och den demokratiska medborgaren2014In: Att växa som människa: Om bildningens traditioner och praktiker / [ed] Anders Burman, Huddinge: Södertörns högskola , 2014, p. 231-250Chapter in book (Other academic)
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    fulltext
  • 28.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences, Avdelningen för forskning om det civila samhället.
    Myths and Traditions as Constraints or Resources?: Path Dependency and Decoupling Strategies among Civil Society Organizations2015In: Journal of Civil Society, ISSN 1744-8689, E-ISSN 1744-8697, Vol. 11, no 1, p. 19-38Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    History and traditions are important for many civil society organizations (CSOs). However, they have to mediate between their original mission and modern-day realities. This article argues that the concept of decoupling can enrich analyses of how organizations deal with path dependency. Hence, theoretically, the article discusses cross-fertilization between historical and organizational institutionalism. This is illustrated through a study of Swedish CSOs using survey data, interviews and documents. The Swedish popular movement tradition is argued to be a path that is not easily abandoned, and the results show how actors in CSOs find history to be both a resource and a constraint. Furthermore, different decoupling strategies, including both reversed and official decoupling, are used to balance between historical legacies and current challenges.

  • 29.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences, The Institute for Civil Society Research.
    Non-Formal Learning and Well-Being among Older Adults: Links between Participation in Swedish Study Circles, Feelings of Well-Being and Social Aspects of Learning2016In: Educational gerontology, ISSN 0360-1277, E-ISSN 1521-0472, Vol. 42, no 6, p. 411-422Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    How does participation in non-formal learning influence the self-perceived well-being among older adults? This article looks into that issue through a study of people aged 65 years or older who have participated in Swedish study circles. The data analyzed consists of a nation-wide survey of study circle participants.

    The results show that there are beneficial effects from participating in study circles for the well-being of older adults. As could be expected, participants claim that their knowledge and skills have increased but the main finding is the importance of the social dimension of participating in non-formal learning activities. The fellowship created in study circles is both an important motive for participation and an important outcome of having participated. This, however, is not at the expense of gaining new knowledge. Rather, the two dimensions may strengthen each other.

    Non-formal settings appear to provide an environment that has positive effects on the well-being of older adults by fostering a sense of belonging and the opportunity to be part of a fellowship that may work as an aid in avoiding social isolation and loneliness.

  • 30.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Social Sciences, The Institute for Civil Society Research.
    Promoting Active Fathers: The Birth and Development of a Civic Initiative in Contemporary Northwestern Russia2014In: ISTR Conference Working Paper Series: Vol. IX, 2014, p. 1-26Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 31.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Södertörns högskola.
    (Re-)building adult education through transnational cooperation2007In: Changing the Relationships between the State, the Civil Society and the Citizen : Implications for Adult Education and Adult Learning: Proceedings of the 2007 Active Democratic Citizenship and Adult Learning Network. Braga (Portugal): Unit for Adult Education/ESREA / [ed] Castro, Rui Vieira; Guimarães, Paula; Bron Jr, Michal; Martin, Ian & Oliveira, Raquel, 2007, p. 3-13Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 32.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Russisk sivilsamfunn og norske hjelpere2011In: Nordisk Østforum, ISSN 0801-7220, E-ISSN 1891-1773, Vol. 25, no 2, p. 182-184Article, book review (Other academic)
  • 33.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Södertörns högskola.
    Spreading the word: Transnational cooperation and the (re-) building of adult education in Estonia2006Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 34.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Svensk folkbildning i estnisk tappning?2011In: Årsbok om folkbildning: Forskning & utveckling 2010 / [ed] Stellan Boozon, Krister Hansson, Maj-Britt Imnander, Ants Viirman, Stockholm: Föreningen för folkbildningsforskning , 2011, p. 144-163Chapter in book (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 35.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Svensk folkbildning i estnisk tappning?2018In: Att göra en annan värld möjlig / [ed] Stellan Bozoon; Jörgen Hammarin, Stockholm: Arbetarnas bildningsförbund (ABF) , 2018, p. 31-63Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 36.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Södertörns högskola.
    Translating Popular Education: Civil Society Cooperation between Sweden and Estonia2008Doctoral thesis, monograph (Other academic)
  • 37.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Södertörns högskola, Institutionen för samhällsvetenskaper.
    Transnational Socialization: Cooperation between Swedish and Estonian Adult Education Organizations2006Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Transnational cooperation has become a fashionable idea in recent years. In these times of increased transnational communication, cooperation stretching across the borders of nation-states has become a popular way of doing business, also in attempts of promoting democracy through assistance to civil society organizations. In this context, a reasonable question to ask is what is actually going on in these projects as well as how ideas or other items spread through these contacts may be transformed to fit the local context and how these contacts affect actors on both sides of the cooperation.

    In Sweden, adult education and its different associations have been and still are important and large parts of Swedish civil society. Many of these voluntary organizations were born from large social movements like for instance ABF (Arbetarnas bildningsförbund or Workers’ Education Association). This organization has also been involved in many international projects over the years among which have been projects with the Estonian organization AHL (Avatud Hariduse Liit or Open Education Association). These projects were largely funded by the Olof Palme International Center, money originally coming from SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) thus also linking this to democracy promotion.

    To get at the problem of what is going on in this kind of projects we need to understand processes of spreading. In this context theories concerning diffusion, socialization, translation, learning, etc. are applicable and can assist the understanding of these processes.

    Through an investigation into a number of the projects between member organizations of ABF and member organizations of AHL, certain traits and results come through. Some of the most interesting concern: (1) the way ideas, methods, organizational forms, etc. that have been spread in the cooperation (mainly from Sweden to Estonia) have been, not simply adopted, but adjusted to fit an Estonian context; (2) a phenomenon that perhaps can be seen as indirect effects of this cooperation. Members of AHL are now involved in spreading their lessons onwards not only within Estonia but also for instance to Russian voluntary organizations working in the field of adult education; (3) how the cooperation has also affected ABF and the individuals active on that side of the cooperation making also a part of democracy promotion a reciprocal process with valuable lessons for both the expected “transmitter” and the expected “receiver”. These are some of the issues that can be further elaborated on and embedded in the appropriate context.

  • 38.
    Åberg, Pelle
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences, Avdelningen för forskning om det civila samhället. Södertörns högskola.
    Vad vet vi om den ryska pappan?: Utvecklingen av faderskapsnormer från ett historiskt och internationellt perspektiv2016In: Nordisk Østforum, ISSN 0801-7220, E-ISSN 1891-1773, Vol. 30, no 1, p. 3-17Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    What do we know about fatherhood and norms concerning fatherhood in Russia? This article investigates this question using previous research and the contemporary state-discourse. Family and parenthood have been important parts of the state-discourse during the last decades due to the demographic situation in Russia. However, at the same time, fathers are more or less absent from the discourse while mothers and children are occurring frequently. With this as a background, the role of the father is examined, in the past and in the present. This is done using previous research on Soviet and Russian fatherhood, with the aid of knowledge gained through fatherhood studies in other national contexts as well as current policy documents and presidential speeches.

    The results show that norms concerning fatherhood are closely connected to the sociopolitical context and changes in welfare systems and in the gender contract. The development of fatherhood models differ between Russian and West European, and American, experiences. In today’s Russia there are competing discourses, suggesting that the role of the father is contested. There is evidence of both a marginalized fatherhood model, a legacy from Soviet times, of the traditional breadwinner model of fatherhood as well as of a more nurturing and active type of fatherhood.

  • 39.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences, The Institute for Civil Society Research. Södertörns högskola.
    Bron Jr, Michal
    Södertörns högskola.
    Milana, Marcella
    Århus University.
    Obučenie vzroslych demokratičeskoj graždanstvennosti: zadača graždanskogo obščestva?2013In: Graždanskoe obrazovanie i prosveščenie naselenija: rossijskij i zarubežnyj opyt / [ed] V. S. Tkačenko, Sankt-Petersburg: Politehnika-servis , 2013, p. 258-284Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 40.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Einarsson, Stefan
    Handelshögskolan i Stockholm.
    Reuter, Marta
    Stockholms universitet.
    Organizational Identity of Think Tank(er)s: A Growing Elite Group in Swedish Civil Society2020In: Politics and Governance, E-ISSN 2183-2463, Vol. 8, no 3, p. 142-151Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Think tanks, defined as organizations that produce policy research for political purposes (McGann, 2007; Medvetz, 2008),are an increasingly ubiquitous type of policy actor world-wide. In Sweden, the last 20 years’ sharp increase in think tanknumbers (Åberg, Einarsson, & Reuter, 2019) has coincided with the decline of the traditional Swedish corporatist modelbased on the intimate involvement of the so-called ‘popular movements’ in policy-making (Lundberg, 2014; Micheletti,1995). Contrary to the large, mass-membership based and democratically organized movement organizations, think tanksare small, professionalized, expert-based, and seldom represent any larger membership base. Their increasingly important role as the ideological greenhouses in Swedish civil society might, therefore, be interpreted as an indication of anincreasingly elitist and professionalized character of the latter. But what is a think tank? The article explores how a sharedunderstanding of what constitutes a think tank is constructed by think-tankers themselves. In the study, interviewed thinktank executives and top-level staff reflect upon their own organizations’ missions and place in the Swedish policy system.

  • 41.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Einarsson, Stefan
    Handelshögskolan i Stockholm.
    Reuter, Marta
    Stockholms universitet.
    Think Tanks: New Organizational Actors in a Changing Swedish Civil Society2019In: VOLUNTAS - International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, ISSN 0957-8765, E-ISSN 1573-7888Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Policy institutes, or ‘‘think tanks’’, are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in our societies. In this article, we conceptualize think tanks explicitly as a civil society phenomenon, linking the proliferation of this relatively new type of actor to the transformation of civil society structures and of systems of interest representation. Using the case of Sweden as an illustration, we argue that the recent decades’ rise of think tanks in institutional settings outside of the USA can only be understood if we take into account the particular features and institutional policy access opportunities of the domestic civil society in each national case, and that think tanks should be analytically understood as the allies of, rather than competitors to, the older, established forces in civil society. 

  • 42.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Social Sciences, The Institute for Civil Society Research.
    Ekman, Joakim
    Södertörns högskola.
    Rodin, Johnny
    Södertörns högskola.
    What should a Russian father be like?: Exploring fatherhood norms and identifying norm patterns among inhabitants of Saint Petersburg2018In: International Political Science Review, ISSN 0192-5121, E-ISSN 1460-373X, Vol. 39, no 4, p. 487-502Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Based on data from a survey conducted in Saint Petersburg in 2013, this article sheds new light on attitudes towards fatherhood in contemporary Russia. We explore what norms are held concerning fatherhood, how these attitudes are related to age, sex, education and income as well as to ideal–typical models established in previous research on fatherhood from Western Europe and the US. Thus, the article also discusses what explanatory value established theoretical models have for the Russian context. Norms of the role of the father in the family are related to general norms of masculinity and, hence, are an important part of the study of politics and the political climate in a society. The results show that there are several fatherhood ideals present in contemporary Northwestern Russia: a traditional breadwinner model, an active fatherhood model as well as what we refer to as a marginalized fatherhood model. The latter has not been substantially identified in previous research, and may tentatively be identified as a legacy of the Soviet era.

  • 43.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Essen, Johan von
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Isomorphic processes and discursive strategies: Swedish study associations caught between civil society, the state and the market2010In: ISTR Conference Working Paper Series, Volume VII: Facing Crises: Challenges and Opportunities Confronting the Third Sector and Civil Society, 2010Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Several challenges, both external and internal, to the identity and position of civil society organizations are present today. Organizations may be tempted or coerced into closer cooperation with the state. There are also incentives to become more market-oriented. The paper deals with such struggles through an investigation of Swedish study associations, involved in popular education or “folkbildning”. At the core of the study is the balance these organizations need to strike between on the one hand being similar to each other in sharing an identity as civil society organizations, exhibiting traits distancing them from the state and the market, and on the other hand displaying differences from other study associations, thus, demonstrating a distinct ideological profile. This also concerns the double strivings for legitimacy and efficiency, which may coincide but can also bring conflicting goals and agendas for civil society organizations. The cases also illustrate how civil society organizations handle an influx of market logics and trends of professionalization when this clashes with a civil society identity and expectations in the organizational context. The question posed is: How do Swedish study associations balance strivings for legitimacy and efficiency and maintain a distinct ideological profile while under isomorphic pressures?

    This is studied through an analysis of annual reports in which study associations position themselves and face their challenges rhetorically as well an analysis of interviews performed with representatives from each of the nine Swedish study associations.

    The findings indicate different isomorphic processes affecting study associations of today. Cultural resources are used to handle partly conflicting myths, which also lead to varied discursive strategies and incidences of decoupling within these organizations.

  • 44.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences, The Institute for Civil Society Research.
    Essen, Johan von
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences, The Institute for Civil Society Research.
    Managing life in an “iron cage”2014In: ARNOVA's Catalogue of Current Research: 42nd Annual Conference Recession, Renewal, Revolution? Nonprofit and Voluntary Action in an Age of Turbulence, 2014Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This paper adds to the discussion of how history shapes civil society organizations (CSOs) through an investigation of Swedish folk high schools. We ask: How do CSOs balance between remaining true to their traditions and ideals, and adapting to a changing environment? Theoretically, path dependency, civil society regimes, and new institutional organizational theory are used. The material consists of interviews, surveys and documents. We address how a popular movement tradition affects Swedish CSOs and how they balance between keeping the tradition and handling changes in their environment by using popular movement connections as discursive resources as well as decoupling strategies.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 45.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Essen, Johan von
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies.
    Swedish Study Associations and their Members: A Link to Civil Society or a Loyal Business Relationship?2009Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 46.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Essen, Johan von
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    The hybridization of civil society organizations: Member organizations as a link to civil society or as loyal business relations?2011Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 47.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Institute for Civil Society Studies. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences.
    Essen, Johan von
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Social Sciences, The Institute for Civil Society Research.
    Tradition, resurs eller nödvändighet?: Om relationerna mellan folkhögskolor och deras huvudmän2013Book (Other academic)
    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 48.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion.
    Essen, Johan von
    Marie Cederschiöld University, Institutionen för civilsamhälle och religion, Centre for Civil Society Research.
    Cras, Patrik
    Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet.
    Nordfeldt, Marie
    Karlstads universitet.
    Hansen, Kjell
    Folkbildning i landsbygder: Om folkbildningens betydelser för människor och lokalsamhällen i svenska landsbygder2024Report (Other academic)
    Abstract [sv]

    I rapporten Folkbildning i landsbygder undersöks folkbildningens betydelse för människor och lokalsamhällen i tre utvalda svenska landsbygder. Vilka betydelser har studieförbund och folkhögskolor som mötesplatser och lokala offentligheter? Som infrastrukturer för lokalt samhällsengagemang? För lokal kompetensutveckling? Eller för det lokala kulturutbudet?

    Rapportens avslutande analys handlar om de avvägningar som studieförbundens och folkhögskolornas anställda gör mellan de ideal och riktlinjer som styr folkbildningen, och de behov som präglar det lokalsamhälle som de är verksamma i.

    Download full text (pdf)
    Folkbildning i landsbygder
  • 49.
    Åberg, Pelle
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Social Sciences, Institute for Civil Society Research.
    Rodin, Johnny
    Södertörns högskola.
    Civil Society and Fatherhood in Russia: The Case of Daddy-Schools in Saint Petersburg2017In: Rebellious Parents: Parental Movements in Central-Eastern Europe and Russia / [ed] Katalin Fábián; Elzbieta Korolczuk, Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2017, p. 145-170Chapter in book (Refereed)
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