Finland-Swedes and the Concept of National Minorities in Sweden

Abstract

ABSTRACT Finland-Swedes have not been recognised as a national minority in Sweden despite claims that they fulfil Sweden’s criteria for national minorities. This article discusses the concept of national minorities by examining Swedish political discourse on the position of Finland-Swedes: What kinds of arguments have been used when claiming or denying minority status? The article argues that political discussion previously centred on the significance of language as well as the practical aspects of minority policy but changed course after a 2017 governmental report, shifting the focus to the emergence and age of Finland-Swedish group identity.