Södertörns högskolas Publications
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Sustainable Development as Pliable Neoliberalism? : A Decolonial, Marxist and Post-Structuralist Approach
No full textConsidering that the concept of development has a history of being associated with unsustainable neoliberal development, sustainable development aims to provide a sustainable model of development even as critical scholars argue that sustainable development is neoliberal. Departing from the concept of pliable neoliberalism, coined by James H. Mittelman, this thesis aims to engage in a critical and theoretical discussion regarding the connection between pliable neoliberalism and the political dimension of sustainable development from a decolonial, Marxist and post-structuralist approach, through a semi-systematic literature and theory review as well as a thematic deconstruction. The findings reveal how the emergence of pliable neoliberalism has resulted in an unofficial political dimension of sustainable development: the SDG discourse of ‘leaving no one behind.’ In particular, the decolonial and Marxist approach focuses on how the political dimension of sustainable development employs modernity's rhetoric while masking colonial logic. In contrast, the post-structuralist approach emphasizes how the shift from rigid to flexible neoliberalism underscores the necessity for sustainable development to foster new ontological beliefs. The display of the findings also highlights the need for future research to move past the focus of rigid neoliberal and sustainable development and to instead partake in a broader and Pluriversal discussion of how pliable neoliberalism is affecting sustainable development. As such, the thesis intends to provide the starting point for a broader and Pluriversal discussion starting from a critical approach to start generating new knowledge.
Fri och styrd lek i fritidshemmet : En kvalitativ studie utifrån fritidslärarens syn på fri och styrd lek
No full textThis study investigates the perceptions of after-school teachers about students’ participation in free and guided play in after-school centers, as well as the opportunities and challenges they experience in this work. Through qualitative, semi-structured interviews with four after-school teachers from different municipalities, we have collected their experiences and perspectives on how they work to balance free and guided play and promote student influence.The after-school teachers emphasize that both free and guided play are important for students’ development and learning. Free play promotes creativity, independence and social skills, while guided play provides structure and enables learning in line with the curriculum goals. The after-school teachers highlight challenges that arise when it comes to balancing students’ autonomy and pedagogical goals, especially when older students are not interested in guided activities. The study also provides practical examples of how after-school teachers involve students’ perspectives in planning and implementing activities, which strengthens their participation.The study highlights that the after-school center is considered an educational environment that offers students the opportunity to experience freedom and structure in their learning and playing. By highlighting the experiences of after-school teachers, the study contributes important insights into how the balance between free and guided play can be managed in practice
Hållbara teknikfonder: En smart investering eller en grön illusion? : En kvantitativ studie om traditionella och hållbara teknikfonder
No full textHållbara investeringar har fått ökad uppmärksamhet bland både investerare och forskare, inte minst inom tekniksektorn där framtidsfokus och innovationsdrivna bolag dominerar. Trots detta råder det fortsatt osäkerhet om hållbara fonder verkligen levererar bättre avkastning än traditionella alternativ. Syftet med studien är att undersöka skillnader mellan hållbara och traditionella teknikfonder avseende riskjusterad och faktiskt avkastning, samt att undersöka hur fondens hållbarhetsbetyg påverkar avkastningen. Teknikfonderna har kategoriseras som hållbara eller traditionella utifrån Morningstars hållbarhetsbetyg. Studien baseras på kvantitativ metod med en deduktiv ansats och jämförde 23 teknikfonders faktiska och riskjusterad avkastning under perioden januari 2020 till och med december 2024 med hjälp av Sharpekvot och CAGR. Utifrån den faktiska avkastningen har sambandet mäts mellan hållbarhetsbetyg och avkastning med hjälp av regressionsanalys. Resultatet visade att hållbara teknikfonder i genomsnitt uppvisar en högre faktisk avkastning samt en högre riskjusterad avkastning än traditionella teknikfonder. Detta indikerar att hållbarhetsklassificering inte behöver innebära en sämre finansiell prestation tvärtom kan hållbara teknikfonder vara ett likvärdigt eller bättre alternativ ur ett avkastnings perspektiv. Studien bidrar till den pågående forsknings diskussionen om sambandet mellan hållbarhet och finansiell prestation, och kan utgöra stöd för investerare som önskar fatta välgrundade beslut inom tekniksektorn.Sustainable investments have gained increased attention among both investors and researchers, particularly within the technology sector, where future oriented and innovation driven companies dominate. Despite this, uncertainty remains as to whether sustainable funds genuinely deliver superior returns compared to traditional alternatives. The purpose of this study is to examine the differences between sustainable and traditional technology funds in terms of risk-adjusted and actual returns, as well as to assess the impact of a fund's sustainability rating on its overall performance. Technology funds have been categorized as either sustainable or traditional based on Morningstar's sustainability ratings. The study employs a quantitative approach with a deductive research design, analyzing the actual and risk-adjusted returns of 23 technology funds over the period from January 2020 to December 2024 using the Sharpe ratio and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). To assess the relationship between sustainability ratings and actual returns, a regression analysis was conducted. The results indicate that, on average, sustainable technology funds exhibit both higher actual returns and superior risk-adjusted performance compared to their traditional counterparts. This suggests that a sustainability classification does not necessarily imply weaker financial performance, on the contrary sustainable technology funds can be a comparable or even superior alternative from a return perspective. This study contributes to the ongoing research discussion regarding the relationship between sustainability and financial performance, as well as providing valuable insights for investors seeking to make well-informed decisions within the technology sector
Barn som anhöriga till föräldrar inom psykiatrisk heldygnsvård : En studie om hälso- och sjukvårdskuratorers förutsättningar till att stödja och främja barns delaktighet
No full textSyftet med studien var att undersöka hur kuratorer inom psykiatrisk heldygnsvård arbetar för att stödja barn som är anhöriga till föräldrar med psykisk ohälsa, samt att belysa de organisatoriska förutsättningar som påverkar möjligheterna att främja barnens delaktighet. Studien tar sin utgångspunkt i lagstiftning om barns rätt till information och delaktighet (5 kap. 7 § HSL; 6 kap. 5 § PSL). Genom kvalitativa intervjuer med sju kuratorer framkommer det att stödet till barn främst sker indirekt via föräldern, då barnen sällan vistas på avdelningen. Kuratorernas arbete fokuserar på att stärka föräldrars kommunikationsförmåga med sina barn, ofta med stöd av samtalsmodeller som Föra barn på tal och BRA-samtal. Tidsbrist och andra organisatoriska hinder begränsar dock möjligheterna till ett konsekvent barnperspektiv. Resultatet visar en skillnad mellan lagens intentioner och hur barns rättigheter tillgodoses i praktiken. Ur ett barndomssociologiskt perspektiv framträder en fortsatt syn på barnet som beroende av vuxna, snarare än som en självständig aktör. Studien pekar på behovet av tydligare strukturer, ökad kompetens och systematiskt stöd för att säkerställa barns rättigheter inom psykiatrisk heldygnsvård
A Means to What End? : Investigating the Swedish Investor Response to Sustainability Regulations and Portfolio Risk
No full textThis dissertation investigates the impact of European Union sustainability regulations on investment companies, focusing on how Swedish firms evaluate sustainability risks and how such regulations influence their investment portfolios. Despite the increasing prominence of regulatory frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), findings reveal significant variation in how investment companies respond. While some firms adopt a compliance-driven approach aimed at meeting legal requirements, others integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations more strategically into their decision-making processes. Using a qualitative, abductive approach based on semi-structured interviews, guided by two research questions about how firms assess sustainability risks within regulatory frameworks and the extent to which these regulations influence portfolios, the study reveals diverse responses. The findings show that while some firms adopt a compliance-driven approach aimed primarily at meeting legal requirements, others integrate ESG considerations more strategically, driven by long-term value creation and stakeholder expectations. The effectiveness of these regulations in promoting genuine change varies notably according to firm size, governance structures and the perceived legitimacy of the regulatory frameworks. The study highlights a persistent gap between regulatory intent and corporate practice, with many firms treating compliance as an endpoint rather than the start of meaningful sustainability engagement. To support deeper integration of ESG factors and promote sustainable finance within the EU, clearer incentives, greater standardisation and consistent enforcement are necessary. These insights contribute to a richer understanding of the complex role that EU sustainability regulations play in shaping investment behaviour and fostering sustainable finance.
Reducing Cross-Border Transaction Fees: The Cost-SavingPotential of Central Bank Digital Currencies
No full textHigh international transaction fees remain a significant barrier in international corporate finance, primary due to inefficiencies in traditional cross-border payment methods like correspondent banking. This essay evaluates the potential of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to reduce international transaction costs compared to conventional payment systems. Asemi-systematic literature review was conducted, analysing empirical data from recent pilotstudies, academic research, and institutional reports. Results indicate that CBDCs substantially reduce intermediary involvement, currency conversion fees, and settlement times, leading to cost efficiencies. Specifically, CBDC platforms streamline transaction processes by minimizing correspondent bank fees, providing more competitive and transparent foreign exchange rates, and achieving near-instant settlement times. The findings suggest significant cost-saving potential under optimal conditions, although these savings depend heavily on international regulatory coordination, technical interoperability, and effective governance structures. The study concludes that while CBDCs hold considerable promise for reducing cross-border payment costs, achieving these benefits requires overcoming substantial institutional and operational challenges
Pris/inkomst-kvotens kapacitet att signalera övervärdering : En kvantitativ tillämpning i ett svenskt storstadsområde 2013–2023
No full textThis study investigates the capacity of the price-to-income ratio to signal overvaluation in the housing market and to reflect household purchasing power. The study introduces and applies an extended indicator, the Affordability-Adjusted Price-to-Income Ratio (APIK) which incorporates mortgage interest rates. A quantitative analysis is conducted on housing market data from Kungsholmen, Stockholm, covering the years 2013–2023. The theoretical framework is grounded in three economic theories: fundamental value theory, neoclassical consumption theory, and price theory. Fundamental value theory highlights the long-term relationship between housing prices, income, and interest rates. Neoclassical consumption theory explains how households base consumption and housing decisions on expected lifetime income and borrowing costs. Price theory provides a model of supply, demand, and market equilibrium relevant for housing price formation. Findings reveal that housing prices have increased significantly more than incomes, especially during low interest rate periods. The traditional price-to-income ratio partially captures this but tends to underestimate financial strain in interest-sensitive environments. APIK, by accounting for borrowing costs, offers a more accurate picture of affordability. Regression analysis confirms that both income and interest rates significantly influence square meter prices, with income being the dominant factor, but interest rate effects becoming more prominent in recent years. The study concludes that while the price-to-income ratio is a useful benchmark, it should be complemented by APIK to reflect true affordability in credit-driven housing markets. Financing conditions are essential for assessing household resilience and potential overvaluation risk
Journalistic practice in times of crisis : A scoping review of role shifts and challenges tied to news production under extraordinary conditions
No full textThis scoping review examines research on journalistic practices in the Nordic countries during societal crises, focusing on how such events disrupt newsroom routines and shape journalistic roles. Mapping the extent and focus of research on crises like the global Covid-19 pandemic, the 2011 Utøya terror attack in Norway, and the Jokela school shooting in Finland, the review identifies key challenges faced by journalists. These include balancing service and watchdog roles, navigating ethical dilemmas, and managing the growing influence of social media. The 32 studies (2007–2024) reveal a modest but growing research focus on journalistic practice during crises in the Nordic region. Findings show that, particularly in the acute phase, journalists prioritise information dissemination over critical scrutiny, often aligning with government messaging. While crises drive technological innovation and accelerate digital adaptation, they also raise ethical challenges, such as how to approach those affected and verify user-generated content. Furthermore, the findings show that the Nordic media systems demonstrated resilience and adaptability during crises
Räntans samband med kapitalstrukturen hos svenska fastighetsbolag : En jämförelse mellan bostadshyresbolag och lokalhyresbolag
No full textI takt med stigande räntor och ökad finansiell osäkerhet har kapitalstrukturens utformning blivit allt viktigare för svenska fastighetsbolag. Denna studie undersöker sambandet mellan ränteförändringar och skuldsättningsgrad hos kommersiella fastighetsbolag i Sverige samt identifierar hur faktorer som lönsamhet, omsättning och materiella anläggningstillgångar påverkar kapitalstrukturen. För att möjliggöra en mer nyanserad analys delas fastighetsbolagen upp i två kategorier: bostadshyresbolag och lokalhyresbolag. Studien utgår från tre etablerade teorier: Modigliani och Miller, Pecking order-teorin samt Trade off teorin. Genom en kvantitativ metod med deduktiv ansats analyserades data från 40 svenska fastighetsbolag under perioden 2014-2023. Datainsamlingen skedde via databasen Retriever Business och analyserna genomfördes med hjälp av korrelationsanalyser, regressionsanalyser samt deskriptiv statistik. Resultatet visar att reporäntan inte har något signifikant samband med skuldsättningsgraden i vare sig bostadshyresbolagen eller lokalhyresbolagen vilket kan förklaras av eftersläpning vid ränteförändringar. För lokalhyresbolagen visade däremot lönsamhet ett starkt positivt samband med skuldsättningen medan omsättning och materiella anläggningstillgångar inte var statistiskt signifikanta. I bostadshyresbolagen hade däremot både omsättning samt materiella anläggningstillgångar ett signifikant samband med skuldsättningsgraden. Utifrån resultatet framstår bostadshyresbolagen som mer stabil med en lägre skuldsättning och mindre känslighet för marknadsvolatilitet. Studien stödjer både pecking order teorin och trade off teorin, där pecking order teorin framstår som mer tillämplig för bostadshyresbolag medan trade off teorin bättre förklarar lokalhyresbolagens beteende. Resultatet ligger i linje med tidigare forskning och och bidrar till en fördjupad förståelse för hur kapitalstrukturen påverkas inom olika segment av den svenska fastighetssektorn. With rising interest rates and increasing financial uncertainty the capital structure of Swedish real estate companies has become increasingly important. This study investigates the relationship between change in interest rate and the debt ratio of commercial real estate firms in Sweden. It also explores how factors such as profitability, revenue and tangible fixed assets influence capital structure. To enable a more nuanced analysis the real estate companies are divided into two categories: residential rental companies and commercial property rental companies. The study is grounded in three established theories: Modigliansi and Miller, the pecking order theory and the trade-off theory. Using a quantitative method with a deductive approach, data from 40 Swedish real estate companies was analyzed for the period 2014-2023. Data was collected from the Retriver Business database and analyzed using correlation analysis, regression analysis and descriptive statistics. The results show that the rent rate does not have a significant relationship with the debt ratio in either residential or commercial rental property companies. This may be explained by a delayed effect of interest rate changes. For commercial rental property companies, profitability showed a strong positive correlation with debt ratio, while revenue and tangible assets were not statistically significant. In contrast both revenue and tangible fixed assets showed a significant correlation with the debt ratio in residential rental companies. Based on the results, residential rental companies appear to be more stable with lower debt levels and less sensitivity to market volatility. The study supports both the pecking order theory and the trade off theory where the pecking order theory is more applicable to residential rental companies while the trade off theory better explains the behavior of commercial rental companies. The results align with previous research and contribute to a deeper understanding of how capital structure is influenced within different segments of the Swedish real estate sector.
Att stå utanför : En essä om dynamik, exkludering och hierarkier på fritidshem
No full textDenna essä behandlar fenomenet socialt utanförskap och hur informella sociala hierarkier påverkar elevernas möjligheter att delta och känna sig inkluderade på fritidshem. Uppsatsen undersöker hur pedagoger kan hantera och förebygga subtila former av exkludering, särskilt när de informella hierarkierna bygger på faktorer som socialt och kulturellt kapital. Genom vetenskaplig essäform, där vi som författare utforskar vår egen praktik och vårt eget handlande, kombineras deltagande observation med reflektion kring konkreta situationer ur vardagen. Med hjälp av vetenskaplig essä och deltagande observation analyseras pedagogernas eget agerande och deras reflektioner kring situationer av exkludering som uppstår i vardagen på fritidshemmet. Syftet är att skapa en ökad medvetenhet om hur pedagogers aktiva närvaro, lyhördhet och förmåga att ingripa i rätt tid kan förebygga social marginalisering bland elever. Uppsatsen lyfter fram vikten av kontinuerlig reflektion kring det egna professionella agerandet samt betydelsen av att principen ”alla får vara med” implementeras systematiskt i verksamheten varje dag