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Who deserves support?

Almén, Annelie LU (2025) STVM20 20251
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This thesis investigates the guiding principles underpinning the Swedish parliament's narrative during the energy crisis, with a particular focus on how these align with established universal principles of the Swedish welfare state and the moral framework of deservingness. The study draws on the Swedish welfare state with the use of critical discourse analysis, as well the dimensions of deservingness theory with criteria such as need, reciprocity, and control. Using CDA, parliamentary protocol documents relating to two rounds of state energy aid were examined. The findings reveal a complex tension between universal and selective approaches to welfare distribution. The first round of aid deviated from traditional universalist ideals,... (More)
This thesis investigates the guiding principles underpinning the Swedish parliament's narrative during the energy crisis, with a particular focus on how these align with established universal principles of the Swedish welfare state and the moral framework of deservingness. The study draws on the Swedish welfare state with the use of critical discourse analysis, as well the dimensions of deservingness theory with criteria such as need, reciprocity, and control. Using CDA, parliamentary protocol documents relating to two rounds of state energy aid were examined. The findings reveal a complex tension between universal and selective approaches to welfare distribution. The first round of aid deviated from traditional universalist ideals, favouring certain groups based on geography and consumption. In contrast, the second round reflected a partial return to universal principles, a change to reflect some narratives that are present in the discussions. The analysis concludes that while the parliament reaffirmed core welfare values, particularly the protection of vulnerable groups, it also signalled an emerging redefinition of universalism in times of crisis. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Almén, Annelie LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Universalism, selectiveness and the energy aid
course
STVM20 20251
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Energy crisis, welfare, universalism, political narrative, deservingness
language
English
id
9189738
date added to LUP
2025-08-08 11:27:08
date last changed
2025-08-08 11:27:08
@misc{9189738,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates the guiding principles underpinning the Swedish parliament's narrative during the energy crisis, with a particular focus on how these align with established universal principles of the Swedish welfare state and the moral framework of deservingness. The study draws on the Swedish welfare state with the use of critical discourse analysis, as well the dimensions of deservingness theory with criteria such as need, reciprocity, and control. Using CDA, parliamentary protocol documents relating to two rounds of state energy aid were examined. The findings reveal a complex tension between universal and selective approaches to welfare distribution. The first round of aid deviated from traditional universalist ideals, favouring certain groups based on geography and consumption. In contrast, the second round reflected a partial return to universal principles, a change to reflect some narratives that are present in the discussions. The analysis concludes that while the parliament reaffirmed core welfare values, particularly the protection of vulnerable groups, it also signalled an emerging redefinition of universalism in times of crisis.}},
  author       = {{Almén, Annelie}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Who deserves support?}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}