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Paper short abstract:

This paper discusses some of the possibilities and limitations of how the concept of settler colonialism can be used for critical studies of colonial relations in the Nordics in a contemporary Swedish context with gender studies methods and theories.

Paper long abstract:

The colonization of Saepmie (Sami land) has great significance for relationships and identities today, at the same time, it has long been difficult to even talk about the colonization of Saepmie in Sweden. Instead of coming to terms with its colonial history and present, the image of one of the world's most egalitarian countries is promoted. This idealized image has been problematized as it hides the stories about Sweden that are not as positive (see e.g. Carlsson 2020). However, several different initiatives are also taking place around society that point to a change in the discourse about Sweden. An example is the mapping and examination of the policy carried out towards the Sami and its consequences for the Sami people which was started by the appointment of a truth commission in 2021 (Dir 2021/103). There is an increased need for critical concepts that are adapted to this changing context where colonialism is discussed more openly also in Swedish majority society. Here, concepts such as settler colonialism can help us put into words the mechanisms that act to stabilize colonial structures, not least through gender relations (Arvin, Tuck & Morrill 2013). This paper discusses some of the possibilities and limitations of how the concept of settler colonialism can be used for critical studies of colonial relations in the Nordics, as well as ethnographically explore expressions of settler colonialism in a contemporary Swedish context, something that is currently under-researched, not least with gender studies methods and theories.