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In the Footsteps of the Virgin Mary: From the Medieval Hortus Conclusus to Contemporary Mary Garden
No full textUppsats för avläggande av filosofie kandidatexamen med huvudområdet kulturvård med inriktning mot trädgårdens och landskapsvårdens hantverk, 2025Mary Gardens represent a connection between Christian tradition and religious devotion
through plant symbolism. In Sweden, as many as 60 plant names are associated with the Virgin
Mary, reflecting a Marian tradition that persisted well beyond the Reformation. This includes
plants such as Our Lady’s Keys (Primula veris) and Our Lady’s Tears (Convallaria majalis),
both of which hold religious significance through folklore and liturgy. Although Virgin Marys
connection to nature and flowers are primarily linked to Catholic traditions, their influence per sisted in Sweden even after the Reformation. Despite Sweden’s Protestant identity since the
16th century, Marian plant symbolism remained embedded in folklore and everyday plant
names, suggesting that botanical devotion to the Virgin Mary was deeply rooted in cultural
memory rather than institutionalised religious practice.
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the historical and contemporary relevance of Mary
Gardens in Sweden. It explores whether Mary Gardens have existed as physical spaces through out history or if they primarily represent an idealized concept found in medieval art, literature,
and hymns. Furthermore, the study investigates how modern interpretations of Mary Gardens
relate to and are influenced by historical traditions and religious symbolism.
This study is based on a combination of literary and historical analysis, utilising both primary
sources such as medieval texts and visual depictions, as well as secondary literature on Marian
symbolism and historical botany. Particular attention is given to the name and visual represen tations of Jungfru Marie Örtagård (The Virgin Mary’s Herb Garden) as well as other historical
references. The concept of hortus conclusus—the enclosed garden—serves as a central meta phor for Mary’s purity and divine fertility and is analysed through its depictions in medieval
and Renaissance art and hymns.
The findings suggest that while there is limited historical evidence for physical Mary Gardens
in Sweden, Marian botanical symbolism was deeply embedded in religious and cultural tradi tions. Additionally, the shift towards scientific plant nomenclature during the Enlightenment,
particularly through figures like Carl von Linné, contributed to the decline of religious plant
names. However, many of these names persisted in oral traditions.
While the study highlights the cultural significance of Marian plant symbolism, the lack of
preserved physical evidence for Mary Gardens in Sweden poses interpretative challenges. Fur ther research could explore how oral traditions and regional plant naming practices have pre served elements of this tradition outside institutional religious settings.
This thesis contributes to the understanding of Mary Gardens as both a historical and living
cultural phenomenon, demonstrating how Swedish traditions are intertwined with the broader
European Christian heritage while also exhibiting distinct local adaptations. Understanding the
historical and cultural dimensions of Mary Gardens contributes to broader discussions on the
relationship between religion, landscape, and folk traditions. As interest in historical gardens
and sacred landscapes grows, further research could explore how religious plant symbolism has
influenced modern garden practices, including the revival of Mary Gardens in contemporary
Sweden. This study provides a foundation for such inquiries by tracing the historical trajectory
of Marian botanical traditions and their cultural significance
From Fringe to Front Page - The Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory in Swedish News Media
Full text linkConspiracy theories have received limited academic attention regarding how they are represented, legitimized, or challenged in the media. As far-right populist actors increasingly use conspiracy narratives in political communication, the risk of these gaining legitimacy has potential societal consequences. Such factors include polarization, erosion of democratic norms, increased discrimination, and possible violence. This study focuses exclusively on Swedish news media and explores how coverage and framing of ‘the Great Replacement’ conspiracy theory are presented between 2015 and 2025. Using a qualitative content analysis supported by quantitative mapping on more than one thousand articles and chronicles from news outlets in different media categories. The findings show a substantial increase over the past ten years.
The qualitative content analysis is guided by framing theory and agenda-setting theory, which developed categories, codes, and themes of frames and discourse frames. Identifying language characteristics and frame descriptions was used in the categorization of articles. The results find that mainstream outlets dominate the amount of coverage, often using delegitimizing frames as the conspiracy theory is reported together with racism, extremism, and conspiratorial thinking. Left-leaning alternative and advocacy journalist outlets position themselves as watchdogs and reinforce counter-narrative discourse against conspiracy theory and far-right populism. In contrast, the alternative right media frames 'the Great Replacement' as a legitimate concern towards demographic change, highlighting statistical distortion, censorship, and anti-establishment narratives that aim to undermine mainstream media and government. Ideological divides shape how the theory is framed, where partisan media aligns with the narratives of their agenda. The results demonstrate how extremist ideas can gain access to, and over time become salient, within the public sphere. This study is limited by its frame selection, scope, and absence of audience effects. Future research should expand the scope, incorporate network analysis, and examine the media’s influence on democratic discourse by using complementary frames. Given the complexity and sensitivity of this unexplored topic, particularly the ties to far-right ideology and extremism, further scholarly contributions are valuable
POLITICAL TRUST IN THE EU DURING THE EUROZONE DEBT CRISIS A quantitative study on the role of benchmarks in citizens' evaluations of institutional performance
No full textDuring the Eurozone debt crisis the European Union (EU) responded with policy measures contrary to public preferences, which contributed to an erosion of trust. Thus, threatening the stability, effectiveness, and democratic legitimacy of the Union. According to the trust-as-evaluation approach, political trust is derived from citizens' evaluations of institutional performance. Hence, citizens tend to trust institutions that perform well. However, the same institution might be judged differently depending on the benchmark, or reference point, against which citizens make their evaluations of institutional performance. Although previous research reveals that the positive relationship between trust in the EU and national institutions intensified during the economic crisis, the role of the national context as a benchmark has received little, if any, attention. The limited existing research centers on a single EU institution. Therefore, this study examines the effect of the EU policy differential on trust in the EU in all twenty-seven EU member states using Eurobarometer surveys from 2010 to 2012. The EU policy differential is a relative value of EU and national performance. Thus, it ensures that benchmarks are properly modeled since it considers the comparative nature of citizens' evaluations of the EU's trustworthiness. The results of the logistic regression analysis reveal that the EU policy differential has a positive and significant effect on trust in the EU, even after controlling for institutionalist and socio-demographic factors. These findings present broader implications for our understanding of the evaluative nature of political trust that are relevant to improve trust levels in multilevel governance systems
Direktavkastning och långsiktig avkastning - En kvantitativ analys av svenska börsaktier
No full textAtt identifiera en optimal investeringsstrategi för att maximera individuell totalavkastning är en komplex utmaning. Vid investeringar på aktiemarknaden kan investerare i huvudsak välja mellan olika strategier, nämligen nivå på direktavkastning. Tidigare forskning och finansiella teorier ger inga entydiga svar, utan pekar på att valet av strategi i hög grad bör anpassas efter individuella preferenser, riskaptit och investeringshorisont. Syftet är att undersöka hur totalavkastningen och riskjusterade prestationsmått påverkas av direktavkastningens nivå och sparhorisontens längd. Studien syftar även till att identifiera lämplig nivå på direktavkastning beroende på investerarens sparhorisont, riskaptit och preferenser.
Studien har genomförts med en kvantitativ undersökning som innehåller empiriskt material från de 30 företagen som ingick i OMXS30 i början av 2025. Datan i studien har samlats in från Yahoo Finance, Investing och Capital IQ, vilket har givit den data som krävs för att kunna beräkna riskjusterade prestationsmått för samtliga aktier.
Denna studie visar att valet av aktieportfölj sett till nivå av direktavkastning har en påverkan på en aktieinvesterares totalavkastning på lång och kort sikt. Skillnaden mellan totalavkastningen för en portfölj med hög direktavkastning och en portfölj med låg direktavkastning är större på kort sikt jämfört med lång sikt. Riskaptit, preferens och sparhorisont är faktorer som spelar roll beroende på vilken portfölj en aktieinvesterare bör välja för att maximera sin totalavkastning
Breathlessness and memory loss - Music from norwegian Sørlandet on the clarinet
Full text linkDetta arbete handlar om författarens process att lära sig och ta till sig av musik traditionellt
spelat på hardingfela från Tovdal i Norge, på hennes instrument klarinett. För att närma sig
detta har hon jobbat med memorering, genretypisk frasering, sväng och formimprovisation.
Metoderna har utgått från vanliga tillvägagångssätt så som lyssning, spela och utlärning.
Målet har varit att lära sig en låt och kunna spela den med genretypiska stildrag hämtat från
spelet på hardingfela samt förståelse för denna, för henne, nya tradition, ett mål vilket hon
uppnått men ser fram emot framtida fördjupning
Building Bridges, Exploring Identity A Musical Journey of a Brazilian Cantautora in an Intercultural Context
Full text linkThis thesis presents the outcomes of my artistic research conducted as a master’s student
in the Improvisation and World Music Performance program at the Academy of Music and
Drama, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The present study investigates how a musical
identity is constructed and reshaped over time, drawing from my background as a
Brazilian singer, guitarist, and songwriter, and examining how exchanges with musicians
from different fields and exposure to new artistic inputs can influence my creative
practice. Central to the research is finding tools to broaden my expressive possibilities
within the song format, through the integration of improvisation, diverse ensemble
instrumentation, and inventive strategies for communicating artistic intentions and
political concerns through music and stage performance. This work also explores possible
approaches for overcoming creative blocks and performance-related fears, especially
those related to improvisation, seeking to cultivate a state of freedom, openness,
fulfillment and joy while playing
Leveraging Dynamic Capabilities for the Adoption of Disruptive Technologies - A Qualitative Study of Technology-Based Firms
Full text linkIn today’s rapidly evolving environment, technology-based firms (TBF) face growing pressure to remain adaptable and competitive in the face of technological disruption. As a result, leveraging dynamic capabilities has become increasingly important for managing such change, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as one of the most prominent disruptive technologies today. This study explores how technology-based firms develop and utilize dynamic capabilities to effectively manage the adoption of disruptive technologies.
The study was conducted using a qualitative research strategy, incorporating an adaptive approach and a multiple case study design. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with leaders of technology-based firms, generating rich insights into their responses to disruption. The empirical findings are supported and contextualized through relevant theoretical frameworks established in the literature review.
The results highlight a range of internal and external strategies, such as stakeholder involvement, continuous learning, and market analysis, that support successful adoption. These initiatives enable firms to navigate uncertainty, foster adaptability, and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly changing environment. Drawing on the dynamic capabilities framework and the Dynamic Technology Capability Model (DTCM) by McLaughlin (2017), this study offers a comprehensive framework for technology-based firms seeking to adapt to disruptive technologies. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of technology leadership, management, integration, and alignment in driving successful technological transformation
How can SMEs from mature economies overcome liability of outsidership when doing market entry in Brazil? With a psychic distance perspective
Full text linkBrazil is a market with major potential, particularly in the renewable energy and the automotive sector. After identifying opportunities in Brazil, an investigation began on how to gain an insider position and establish local networks in Brazil. However, an empirical gap was identified regarding how network-building is carried out in Brazil and how cultural differences influence this process. Therefore, this study aims to explore how foreign SMEs from mature economies can establish local networks in the Brazilian market and how psychic distance affects the development of these relationships. Empirical data were collected from 10 respondents including company representatives and industry experts. The findings suggested several critical factors before entering the Brazilian market; previous international experience, strong entry nodes, market-specific knowledge, and engagement with business support organizations. After entering the Brazilian market, SMEs must be prepared to adapt to local conditions, collaborate with local stakeholders, exercise patience due to cultural differences, and actively invest in building trust with the partners. Through these efforts, firms can enhance their absorptive capacity, deepen their cultural knowledge, establish long-term partnerships, and develop personal relationships. Consequently, foreign firms are more likely to achieve high levels of trust and thereby overcome liability of outsidership
Urbana värmeöar och rumslig ojämlikhet. En GIS-baserad studie av Göteborgs tätorter
Full text linkThis bachelor's thesis examines the spatial distribution of urban heat islands (UHI) in the
urban areas of Gothenburg, Sweden, and how exposure to these relates to income levels. The
study is grounded in the increasing risks of heat in urban environments as a consequence of
climate change and aims to highlight potential spatial inequalities in heat exposure. Based on
previous research and with a framework in human geography, a quantitative analysis is
conducted using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Meteorological data is modeled
through the Urban Weather Generator (UWG), and the risk analysis is based on the Swedish
Public Health Agency’s method for assessing risk areas. These results are then linked to
socioeconomic statistics from Statistics Sweden, with income levels represented in a 250-
meter grid.
The findings show that UHI risk areas vary across the city, with some concentration in central
Gothenburg. Grid cells with lower income levels display a slightly higher exposure to UHI
risk, though the correlation is not conclusive. The results reveal significant variation in
relative temperatures and no clear pattern or strong link to income. Thus, the study illustrates
both the variation and complexity of spatial heat exposure.
While UHIs are a well-documented phenomenon globally, the results indicate that they are
not currently a pronounced issue in Gothenburg. However, the study points to potential for
future development, such as including additional variables and higher-resolution
meteorological data, to deepen understanding of UHIs in a Scandinavian context
I SKUGGAN AV FÖRLUST – FÖRÄLDRARS UPPLEVELSER AV BARNETS PALLIATIVA VÅRD En allmän litteraturöversikt
Full text linkBakgrund: Palliativ vård syftar till att främja livskvalitet och lindra lidande när bot inte är
möjligt. För barn i livets slutskede ställs särskilda krav på vården, då de befinner sig i en känslig
utvecklingsfas. Även föräldrar påverkas då deras upplevelse ofta präglas av starka känslor,
behov av trygghet och ett nära samarbete med vårdpersonalen. Sjuksköterskan spelar en central
roll i att erbjuda stöd, lindra lidande och säkerställa att både barn och familj får rätt vård och
information. Syftet: Syftet med detta arbete var att undersöka föräldrarnas upplevelse av deras
barns palliativa vård på sjukhus, och vilka faktorer som påverkade denna upplevelsen. Metod:
Arbetet är en litteraturöversikt baserad på 9 studier med kvalitativ samt kvantitativ ansats, vilka
har analyserats med hjälp av Fribergs modell för litteraturöversikter och sedan sammanställts
för att identifiera gemensamma teman. Resultat: Resultatet presenteras i huvudtema med
underteman som belyser föräldrarnas upplevelse. Ett centralt tema var vikten av samordnad
kommunikation mellan vårdpersonal, där bristande samordning skapade stress och osäkerhet
för föräldrarna. Kommunikationen mellan vårdpersonal och föräldrar var avgörande, där
föräldrar uppskattade när personalen visade omtanke och använde ett respektfullt språk. Vidare
hade kommunikationen mellan vårdpersonal och barnet stor påverkan på föräldrarnas
förtroende, särskilt när personalen bemötte barnet med värme och omtanke. Stöd under
pågående vård och vid livets slut var också betydelsefullt, där empatiskt stöd hjälpte föräldrar
att hantera sorg och acceptera slutet. Brist på stöd kunde dock förvärra föräldrarnas upplevelse
och ledde till ytterligare lidande. Slutsats: Resultaten visar ett behov av förbättrad
kommunikation inom palliativ barnsjukvård, både mellan vårdpersonal och föräldrar, samt
inom teamet. Vårdpersonal bör utbildas djupare inom kommunikation och samtalsmetodik för
att möta dessa föräldrars behov. Genom strukturerad samverkan och familjecentrerad vård, kan
den palliativa vården lindra lidande och skapa ett mer tryggt och värdigt förlopp för både barnet
och föräldrarna