| Popis: |
Questions of growth and development have been discussed in the municipality of Skellefteå for several years. With the establishment of the Northvolt factory for lithium-ion batteries and Sara cultural center, the municipality as well as local media are forecasting increasing growth. This thesis examines fears and expectations for the future among the inhabitants in Skellefteå. The importance of growth to the research participants is studied in relation to Sara cultural center and Northvolt and how these are articulated as “something more” or nodal points according to Lacalu-Mouffe's discourse theory. The research participants’ ideas of the future are furthermore related to the matter of place and identity. The matter of growth and development in Skellefteå is also to be understood in relation to the discourse in which Norrland, as a discursively constructed unit, is depicted as peripheral, rural and underdeveloped. The thesis examines how the expansive Skellefteå can be understood in relation to this discourse. Several participants articulated that they primarily hope for development within commerce, trade and industry, that Northvolt can act as a “self playing piano” for more establishments which can generate further growth. Several participants furthermore speak of a structural socio-cultural change within the labor market, hoping for a more diverse population. Growth within commerce, trade and industry is also mentioned in relation to Sara cultural center. The cultural centre will, apart from museums and library, also inhabit a hotel, spa and conference facilities. The cultural center thus has a double aim, to be a place for culture but also to make Skellefteå a more attractive place and generate growth. However this is also criticized. Some participants articulated that they worry that the municipality will have too strong a focus on growth. Another apprehension is that the cultural center won’t have local anchoring, not reflecting the local grass root culture. While this might be a fear, it can also be perceived as an expectation, since several informants hope for a cultural center that represents local culture. As nodal points, Northvolt and Sara are thus articulated as something of great importance for the municipality, rather than just a factory and a cultural center. They are articulated as a sign of change, which is at the same time articulated as positive and negative. |
