Political Constructions of National Identity: Religion in Motions to the Swedish Parliament 2010–2022

Abstract This article analyzes approximately two thousand political motions submitted to the Swedish Parliament between 2010 and 2022, aiming to examine whether and how an increased politicization of religion can be identified and its role in shaping political constructions of national identity. The study reveals that religion has become a more controversial issue in political motions during the examined period. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the problematization of specific religious forms and practices is primarily driven by the Sweden Democrats, mainly focusing on issues related to Islam. The Sweden Democrats also emerge as the party most actively linking the Swedish nation to a Christian cultural heritage and identity. Thus, this study confirms previous research highlighting the Sweden Democrats’ role in fostering an increased politicization of religion in Swedish politics. However, the analysis also shows that other political parties have, to some extent, followed their lead—especially in problematizing Muslim practices in the public sphere and portraying Islam as a religion in conflict with so-called Swedish values, such as democracy and gender equality. The shifting discourse surrounding religion in the analyzed material supports the conclusion that Christianity continues to play a significant role in the political construction of national identity in Sweden today.