Participation and Belonging in Swedish Friluftsliv : A Qualitative Study on The Experience of People with a Migration Background

This thesis investigates the attitudes and perceptions towards participation and belonging in Swedish Friluftsliv (outdoor recreation), with a particular focus on people with a migration background. Drawing on Critical Race Theory as well as social and environmental justice frameworks, the study addresses two research questions: (1) What are the socio-cultural barriers and motivators to the participation in Swedish Friluftsliv for people with a migration background? and (2) How do people with a migration background interpret and value nature and Friluftsliv? The research employs qualitative thematic analysis of data collected through nature walks and stakeholder interviews in Sweden, offering insights into the lived experiences of individuals from diverse ethnoracial backgrounds. The findings reveal that participants face shared challenges within Swedish Friluftsliv, despite diverse identities. A critical insight from this study is the persistent equation of Swedishness with whiteness and the construction of the outdoors as white spaces. Importantly, this study challenges the misconception that people with a migration background lack interest in nature-based outdoor recreation, demonstrating active engagement and a sense of nature-connectedness. The study concludes by recommending that further research should adopt an intersectional approach to inform more equitable policy and practice within Swedish Friluftsliv.