Malmö University
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The Cycle of Poverty and Education in the Bildungsroman : Can Education Truly Enable Social Mobility?
No full textThis thesis explores the relationship between education and social mobility within the Bildungsroman genre, questioning if education can truly be the so called “great equalizer”. Through a critical analysis of Betty Smith’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” and Sherman Alexie's “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”, this thesis attempts to show how class, systemic limitations and institutionalized inequality can play a part in protagonists’ educational experiences and their access to it. Drawing on concepts such as Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural capital and psychoanalytic literary perspectives and on Mollenhauer’s idea of the importance of educational documents, it examines the motivations that drive the characters’ pursuits of upward mobility, including survival needs, the need for dignity and the formative power of knowledge. The analysis reveals that while formal education offers a potential pathway to all those things, it is often plagued by barriers that reinforce existing socioeconomic differences. Furthermore, the thesis highlights the significant role of informal learning in supplementing or counteracting the failures or shortcomings of schooling. Lastly, it argues that the genre of the Bildungsroman serves as a critical tool, humanizing the discourse on such an important issue, while challenging the myth of education as a universally accessible means of social advancement by highlighting characteristics as the protagonists’ personal agency, the obstacles they had to face and the often hidden social costs of upwards social mobility.
Migrant Organizations as Catalysts of Belonging : A Study of Migrant Engagement in Thuringia Amidst Rising Right-Wing Extremism in East Germany
No full textThis thesis explores how migrant organizations in Thuringia create senses of belonging for migrants and how this aspect of their work is influenced by a political and societal context of increasing right-wing extremism and xenophobia. The study applies the method of semi-structured interviews in order to gain in-depth insights into migrants’ experiences with senses of belonging and their engagement in migrant organizations. The findings illustrate that in times of increasing hostilities against migrants, particularly in East Germany, migrant organizations amplify migrants’ belonging by acting as social anchors and empowering joint advocacy and migrant representation with the aim to increase external recognition. Additionally, the results show that the interplay of bonding and bridging social capital, which is enabled by migrant organizations, is central in the enhancement of senses of belonging among migrants. This research contributes to a gap in previous literature by addressing the specific context of Thuringia in East Germany
When the sea meets the city - Nyhamnens development : A study of the City of Malmö climate adaption for rising sea levels
No full textTill följd av den globala uppvärmningen stiger havsnivåerna vilket medför ökade risker för översvämningar med stora konsekvenser för samhället. Trots riskerna med stigande havsnivåer fortsätter exploateringen av kustnära områden, vilket skapar en konflikt mellan tillväxt och klimatanpassning. Kuststäder, som genom sitt attraktiva läge lockar till exploatering, är särskilt sårbara för havsnivåhöjningar. Konflikten understryker vikten av en hållbar stadsutveckling för att hantera kuststäders utmaningar och möjligheter. Syftet med studien är att uppnå ett kunskapsbidrag gällande kommunal klimatanpassning samt att bidra till diskussionen om ett förändrat förhållningssätt mot mer proaktiva och långsiktiga åtgärder. Genom dokumentanalys och intervjuer har Malmö stads planeringsideal analyserats utifrån teorierna, path dependence, riskstyrning och robust planering, med särskilt fokus på exploateringsområdet Nyhamnen i Malmö. Resultatet visar att Malmö stads långvariga vision för Nyhamnens utveckling kan, enligt teorin om path dependence, utgöra en avgörande orsak till fortsatta exploateringsplaner i riskområdet. Juridiska ramar, tillväxt prioriteringar, historiskt valda defend- och attackstrategier samt skydd av tidigare investeringar kan presenteras som delar av skapandet och självförverkligandet för den spårbundna vägen. Studien visar också att Malmö stad och Länsstyrelsen Skåne har olika syn på risker och underlag, vilket försvårar samverkan. Samsyn är, enligt teorin riskstyrning, en central förutsättning för att effektivt bemöta de komplexa och systematiska riskerna som klimatförändringar innebär. Malmö stad har tendenser till en robust planering med en bred konsensus inom organisationen där klimatanpassningar är integrerade i stadsplaneringen. Kommunens fasta utgångsläge för ett klimatscenario begränsar möjligheten till flexibilitet och adaptivitet, vilket är centralt i robust planering. Uppsatsen argumenterar för att nuvarande kommunala planering och juridiska ramverk begränsar möjligheten till en robust planering och effektiv riskstyrning. Den spårbundna tillväxtlogiken stärker hindrena för ett förändrat förhållningssätt vilket skapar utmaningar i kommunens arbete att möta framtida klimatrelaterade risker på ett hållbart sätt. Sea levels are rising as a result of global warming and increasing the risk of flooding with major consequences for society. Despite the risk the exploitation of coastal areas continues, creating a conflict between urban growth and climate adaptation. Coastal cities, which attract development due to their appealing location by the sea, are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. This conflict underlines the importance of sustainable urban development to address both the challenges and opportunities faced by coastal cities. The aim of this study is to contribute with knowledge regarding municipal climate adaptation and to contribute to the discussion about a changed approach towards more proactive and long-term strategies. Through a document analysis and interviews, Malmö´s urban planning ideals have been examined using the theoretical frameworks of path dependence, risk governance and robust planning, with a focus on the development of Nyhamnen in Malmö. The results show that Malmö´s long-standing vision for the development of Nyhamnen can, in line with the theory of path dependence, be a key factor for continued development in high-risk areas. Legal frameworks, growth priorities, historically chosen defend and attack strategies, and the protection of past investments are identified as reinforcing elements that path-dependent trajectory. The study also shows that the municipality of Malmö and Länsstyrelsen Skåne differ in their perception of risks and climate data, which complicates collaboration. According to risk governance theory, shared understanding is key for effectively addressing the complex and systemic risks associated with climate change. Malmö shows tendencies toward robust planning with a broad consensus within the organization where climate adaptations are integrated into urban planning. However, the municipality's fixed approach to a specific climate scenario limits the possibility of flexibility and adaptability that robust planning requires. This thesis argues that current municipal planning and legal frameworks limit the potential for robust planning and effective risk governance. The path-dependent logic of growth reinforces barriers to a changed approach, creating challenges for the municipality in addressing future climate-related risks in a sustainable manner.
The effect of nicotine on monocytes : A study on differentiation, antigen presentation and phagocytosis
No full textMakrofager har en central funktion i både det medfödda och adaptiva immunförsvaret genom fagocytos och antigenpresentation. Nikotin, den beroendeframkallande substansen i tobaksprodukter som snus och cigaretter, har visat sig modulera immunförsvaret och påverka makrofagernas funktion genom att interagera med nikotin-acetylkolinreceptorer (nAChR) på immunceller. Studier tyder på att nikotin kan påverka makrofagernas differentiering och polarisation,antigenpresentation, cytokinproduktion samt modulera cellernas förmåga till fagocytos. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka om nikotin påverkar makrofagdifferentiering och polarisation, MHC-uttryck samt fagocytos i primära monocyter från olika bloddonatorer. Syftet var även att undersöka uttrycket av α7- och α4β2-nAChR på makrofager med eller utan nikotinexponering. Primära humana monocyter isolerades från leukocytkoncentrat och differentierades till vilande makrofager (M0) samt polariserades till pro-inflammatoriska (M1) och anti-inflammtoriska (M2) makrofager med eller utan närvaro av nikotin. Flödescytometri och qPCR användes för att analysera polarisationsmarkörer och MHC-uttryck, fagocytos av fluorescens märkta aluminiumpartiklar samt för att undersöka uttrycket av α7, α4, och β2 subenheter. Resultaten visade att nikotin skiftar makrofag polarisation mot en M2-lik makrofagfenotyp genom att minska uttrycket av M1-associerade markörer som CD86. En uppreglering av generna α4 och α7 observerades i vissa makrofagtyper vilket kan öka makrofagernas känslighet för nikotin. Det uppvisades ingen skillnad i fagocytisk förmåga efter nikotinexponering. Studien indikerar att nikotin kan modulera immunförsvaret genom att främja en anti-inflammatorisk makrofagfenotyp. Det belyser även hur nikotin kan interagera med makrofager. Vidare studier behövs för att fastställa om nikotin påverkar makrofagernas fagocytiska förmåga.Macrophages play a central role in the innate and adaptive immunity through phagocytosis and antigen presentation. Nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco products such as snus and cigarettes, has been shown to modulate the immune system and affect macrophage function by interacting with nicotinicacetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on immune cells. Studies suggest that nicotine can affect macrophage differentiation and polarization, antigen presentation,cytokine production and phagocytic ability. This study aimed to investigate whether nicotine influences macrophage differentiation and polarization, MHC expression and phagocytosis in primary monocytes from different blood donors. It also examined the expression of α7- och α4β2-nAChR on macrophages with or without nicotine exposure. Primary human monocytes were isolated from leukocyte concentrate and differentiated into resting macrophages (M0) and polarized into pro inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophageswith or without nicotine. Flow cytometry and qPCR were used to analyze polarization markers and MHC expression, phagocytosis of fluorescently labeled aluminum particles and expression of α7, α4, och β2 subunits. Results showed that nicotine shifts macrophage polarization toward an M2-like phenotype by reducing the expression of M1-associated markers such as CD86. Upregulation of the α7 and α4 genes was observed in some macrophages, which may increase their sensitivity to nicotine. No difference in phagocytic capacity was observed after nicotine exposure. The study indicates that nicotine can modulate the immune system by promoting an anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype and highlights how nicotine interacts with macrophages. Further studies are required to determine whether nicotine affects phagocytic capacity of macrophages
Mathematics teachers’ perspectives on identifying and addressing students’ math anxiety in lower secondary mathematics education
No full textMatematikångest utgör ett hinder för elevers lärande, motivation och självförtroende, vilket i sin tur påverkar deras möjligheter att nå sin fulla potential. Tidigare forskning betonar lärarens centrala roll i att identifiera och hantera matematikångest. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur högstadielärare identifierar och hanterar matematikångest i sin undervisning. Studien baseras på kvalitativ metod med semistrukturerade intervjuer med sex matematiklärare från olika skolor. Det insamlade materialet har analyserats tematiskt med stöd i ett sociokulturellt perspektiv på lärande samt genom ett teoretiskt perspektiv på matematikångest. Resultaten visar att lärarna i studien oftast identifierar matematikångest genom fysiska uttryck och undvikande strategier. Lärarna framhåller relationens betydelse, och hur trygghet, tillit och individanpassad undervisning utgör grunden i det förebyggande arbetet med matematikångest. Pedagogiska anpassningar såsom konkret material, anpassat språk och meningsfulla uppgifter används för att minska elevernas matematikångest. Studien visar att hanteringen av matematikångest är komplex och kräver en lyhörd och reflekterande lärarroll, där elevernas emotionella signaler uppmärksammas kontinuerligt. Kunskapsmässigt kan studien bidra till att synliggöra hur lärare medvetet kan arbeta för att motverka matematikångest. En ökad förståelse för dessa processer kan bidra till en mer inkluderande matematikundervisning och en positivare attityd till ämnet
”Between two worlds”: Young people’s identity formation in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas
No full textThis study explores how youth with immigrant backgrounds living in socioeconomically disadvataged neighborhoods in Sweden construct their identites and create a sense of belonging. Through qualitative interviews and interpretive analysis, the research examines how the youths identities are shaped through the interaction between individual experiences and the social cultural context of their neighborhoods. The findings reveal that identity construction is characterized by a complex negotiation influenced by negative stereotypes and marginalization, while youth simultaneously develop strategies of resistance and community building. The study highlights the importance of the neighborhood as a space for safety and social interaction, wich is crucial for identity development. The conclusion emphasizes that social and territorial factors interplay in identity formation, and that integration efforts should be grounded in youths own perspectives to promote social inclusion.
Women's experiences during the time between breast cancer diagnosis and initial treatment : A literature study
No full textBakgrund: Bröstcancer är den vanligast förekommande cancerformen för kvinnor såväl i Sverige som övriga delar av världen. Tiden mellan diagnos och behandling innebär en betydande emotionell utmaning och lägger grunden för deras fortsatta känslohantering under hela sjukdomsförloppet. Då kvinnor med bröstcancer påträffas inom olika vårdkontexter är det av vikt att den grundutbildade sjuksköterskan besitter tillräckligt med kunskap för att bemöta och erbjuda en god vård. Syfte: Syftet var att sammanställa kvinnors upplevelser under tiden mellan bröstcancerdiagnos och första behandling Metod: Litteraturstudien följde kvalitativ studiedesign och byggde på 12 kvalitativa primärartiklar, som genomgick kvalitetsgranskning och dataanalys. Resultat: Resultatet delades in i fyra kategorier med sju tillhörande subkategorier: Utmaningar i att bära sjukdomen; Från besked till insikt - en ny verklighet, Dela beskedet - att skapa balans mellan hänsyn till andra och självomsorg. Ett komplext behov av stöd och samhörighet; Relationer som resurs - en balansgång mellan stöd. Svårigheter kring känslomässig navigering; När livet ställs om - döden, meningsskapande och förändrade perspektiv, Att hantera det ofattbara - strategier för känslohantering, kontroll och väntetiden. Vikten av individanpassning i mötet med vården; Mellan ord och omsorg - förmedlande av information och upplevelsen av stöd i vården, Navigera medicinska beslut - tillit till vården, behandlingsbeslut och prioriteringar. Konklusion: Kvinnor upplevde ständiga utmaningar i den nya verkligheten som bröstcancerdiagnosen medförde. Deras individuella, motsägelsefulla och dynamiska behov visade på en mänsklig komplexitet samt vilken utmaning detta kunde medföra för omvårdnaden. Background: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, both in Sweden and globally. The time between diagnosis and initial treatment presents a significant emotional challenge and forms the foundation for how women manage their emotions throughout their illness trajectory. Since women with breast cancer are encountered in all healthcare contexts, it is essential that the registered nurse possesses sufficient knowledge to provide appropriate and high-quality care. Aim: To compile women’s experiences in the time between breast cancer diagnosis and initial treatment. Method: The literature study followed a qualitative design and was based on 12 primary studies, which underwent quality appraisal and data analysis. Result: Findings were divided into four themes and seven associated subthemes: The difficulties of carrying the illness; From diagnosis to insight - a new reality, Disclosing cancer - balancing consideration for others and self-care. A complex need of support and belonging; Relationships as a resource - balancing support, independence and belonging. Challenges in emotional navigation; When life shifts - death, meaning-making and changed perspectives, Coping with the unimaginable - strategies for emotional regulation, control and enduring the wait. The importance of patient-centered care; Between words and care - communicating information and the experience of support in healthcare, Navigating medical decisions - trust in healthcare, treatment decisions and prioritizing. Conclusion: Women faced continuous challenges in the new reality brought on by the breast cancer diagnosis. Their individual, contradictory and dynamic needs showed a human complexity and illustrated the challenges that this may imply for nursing care
En kvalitativ studie om handbollens utveckling och ökningen av korsbandsskador : A qualitative study about the development of handball and the increase in cruciate ligament injuries
No full textIn the past decades handball has gone through a large development. The game has developed into a faster, more intense and physically challenging format. At the same time an increase in cruciate ligament injuries is reported in the sport. This study aims to investigate whether the sportification of handball has had an impact on the incidence of cruciate ligament injuries with a perspective from 1960 to the present day in Swedish elite handball. The goal is to generate new knowledge that can be used by coaches, medical personnel and decision-makers to design injury prevention measures.The study has a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews as the data collection method. A total of seven interviews were conducted with people who have long experience in elite handball activities. Players, coaches and physiotherapists were interviewed. The theoretical framework is based on sportification, a theory where sport is moving towards becoming more extreme. The study analyzes changes in the character of the game and materials/technology in handball.The results show that the sportification of handball affects the players movement patterns through increased tempo and physique. Rule changes, technical aids and increased training intensity have created a game where quick decisions and explosive movements are central. Which increases the risk of injuries such as cruciate ligament injuries. Especially situations when the players are tired or during periods of high load are the risks that seem to be highest. The study also shows that young players today train in a more specialized and one-sided way. This can affect the tendency to get injured. A large part of the handball experts in the study believe that changes in how the game is performed and the development of equipment/material have an impact on the incident of cruciate ligament injuries.The conclusion is that the sportification of handball is likely a contributing factor to the increase in cruciate ligament injuries. This development requires increased awareness of load and recovery in both youth and elite handball. Further research is suggested in areas such as gender-specific injury risk, early specialization and implementation of injury-preventive training models
The International Financial Corporation Enduring Engagement in China : Interdependence, Institutional Inertia, and Normative Continuity in Global Economic Governance
No full textThis thesis examines why the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has continuedinvesting in China despite the intensification of U.S.-China strategic competition. Drawing onNeoliberal Institutionalism and Path Dependency Theory, the study analyzes IFC reports,project disclosures, and strategic documents from 2005 to 2024 to assess how institutionalcooperation persists under geopolitical rivalry. The analysis identifies two key dynamics:first, the IFC uses strategic interdependence in its engagement through developmentnarratives, climate finance initiatives, and SME support frameworks; second, institutionalinertia driven by historical investments, bureaucratic routines, and reputational commitmentsconstrains adaptation. The findings suggest that the IFC’s continued presence in Chinareflects not only functional incentives for cooperation but also deep structural pathdependencies. By highlighting how international organizations navigate systemic rivalrythrough layered interdependence behaviour and historical continuity, the thesis contributes tounderstanding the resilience and limits of multilateral economic governance in an evolvingglobal order
How Can You Have Perpetual Growth on a Finite Planet? : A Qualitative Study of Degrowth-Oriented Practices and Organizational Adaptation in the Architecture, Design, and Construction Industry
No full textThis thesis explores how businesses in the Architecture, Design, and Construction (ADC) sector implement degrowth principles and to what extent these practices can be understood as a form of organizational adaptation. Rooted in a critique of conventional growth-driven models, degrowth emphasizes sufficiency, ecological responsibility, and social well-being over profit maximization. Using a qualitative research design, five semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals from firms in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany that consciously engage with degrowth-aligned values. The analysis is guided by a framework on organizational adaptation, examining adaptation as intentional, relational, conditioned, and convergent, with learning added as a fifth dimension. The findings show that degrowth implementation in these firms is driven by strong personal and ethical convictions and represents a deliberate shift in how success, professionalism, and responsibility are defined. Participants reject conventional roles in the ADC industry, moving away from new construction toward renovation, circularity, and participatory design. Their adaptation is not aimed at outperforming competitors but at mitigating ecological degradation and addressing social inequalities. While external constraints pose significant challenges, these firms continue to adjust their practices creatively and strategically. This study contributes to both organizational theory and degrowth research by demonstrating that organizational adaptation can occur in non-growth contexts, motivated by planetary and societal imperatives rather than capitalist norms. The thesis offers insights into how degrowth is operationalized in practice and opens pathways for future research into value-based change in the private sector