Den goda, den onda och den vardagliga cyklismen: Inordningen av cyklismen i det svenska 1890-talets offentliga platser och rum
(2024) HISS33 20241History
- Abstract
- This study follows cycling as an experienced symbolic activity during the 1890s in Sweden. The period has been framed in both Swedish and international research as pivotal for the activity in the western world. Cycling and the object itself were seen as emblematic of modernity and social status; the symbolism it had was lost due to the introduction of the car and the increased prevalence of bikes, exemplified by the widespread adoption of cycling by the lower classes at the dawn of the new century. Even though cycling as a concept existed throughout the 1800s and earlier, use rapidly increased during the final ten years of the century due to technological advancements. This correlates with newspaper articles and advertisements which... (More)
- This study follows cycling as an experienced symbolic activity during the 1890s in Sweden. The period has been framed in both Swedish and international research as pivotal for the activity in the western world. Cycling and the object itself were seen as emblematic of modernity and social status; the symbolism it had was lost due to the introduction of the car and the increased prevalence of bikes, exemplified by the widespread adoption of cycling by the lower classes at the dawn of the new century. Even though cycling as a concept existed throughout the 1800s and earlier, use rapidly increased during the final ten years of the century due to technological advancements. This correlates with newspaper articles and advertisements which drastically increased until the turn of the century, at which point they diminished at a near equal rate. This paper follows the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter’s coverage of cycling, as well as handbooks meant to guide seasoned cyclists and new users alike. These are studied by implementing the theoretical framework of space, place, gaze, and spatial dynamics. It argues that the experience of biking already started a shift around the middle of the 1890s. While in the early years it was seen as a bourgeois leisure time activity or sport – it became class- and genderless through the collective experience of its uses in public spaces and places. The multifaceted use thus meant the activity no longer served as a status symbol or mark for bourgeoisie affiliation due to its wide range of associations. However, this should not be perceived as though the users were truly diversified, as gender ideals and bicycle prices still prevented most Swedes from partaking. The results instead highlight how class formed the primary basis of social division in 19th century Sweden through the medium of cycling in public spaces. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9164320
- author
- Granath, William LU
- supervisor
-
- Emma Hilborn LU
- organization
- course
- HISS33 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- 19th century, class, gender, cycling, spatial history
- language
- Swedish
- id
- 9164320
- date added to LUP
- 2024-06-17 15:31:56
- date last changed
- 2024-06-17 15:31:56
@misc{9164320,
abstract = {{This study follows cycling as an experienced symbolic activity during the 1890s in Sweden. The period has been framed in both Swedish and international research as pivotal for the activity in the western world. Cycling and the object itself were seen as emblematic of modernity and social status; the symbolism it had was lost due to the introduction of the car and the increased prevalence of bikes, exemplified by the widespread adoption of cycling by the lower classes at the dawn of the new century. Even though cycling as a concept existed throughout the 1800s and earlier, use rapidly increased during the final ten years of the century due to technological advancements. This correlates with newspaper articles and advertisements which drastically increased until the turn of the century, at which point they diminished at a near equal rate. This paper follows the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter’s coverage of cycling, as well as handbooks meant to guide seasoned cyclists and new users alike. These are studied by implementing the theoretical framework of space, place, gaze, and spatial dynamics. It argues that the experience of biking already started a shift around the middle of the 1890s. While in the early years it was seen as a bourgeois leisure time activity or sport – it became class- and genderless through the collective experience of its uses in public spaces and places. The multifaceted use thus meant the activity no longer served as a status symbol or mark for bourgeoisie affiliation due to its wide range of associations. However, this should not be perceived as though the users were truly diversified, as gender ideals and bicycle prices still prevented most Swedes from partaking. The results instead highlight how class formed the primary basis of social division in 19th century Sweden through the medium of cycling in public spaces.}},
author = {{Granath, William}},
language = {{swe}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Den goda, den onda och den vardagliga cyklismen: Inordningen av cyklismen i det svenska 1890-talets offentliga platser och rum}},
year = {{2024}},
}