Reconstructing reproductive and relationship norms: the political thought of Henrik Bergegren

This article examines Henrik ‘Hinke’ Bergegren’s writings on sexuality and sexual reform between 1910 and 1935, questioning the common characterization of him as a neo-Malthusian. Drawing on eight texts and inductive thematic analysis, it investigates how Bergegren challenged prevailing norms concerning sexuality, gender, marriage, reproduction, and parental responsibility. The analysis shows that although neo-Malthusian ideas were important, particularly in his 1919 discussion of poverty and abortion, his arguments cannot be reduced to neo-Malthusianism. His writings also drew on socialist, feminist, eugenic, medical, and anti-clerical ideas. Particularly significant were his challenges to the sexual double standard, his defence of women’s sexual desire, and his emphasis on parental responsibility. In this regard, Bergegren seems to have been inspirered by contemporary thinkers such as Ellen Key and Frida Steenhoff. The latter was also a friend of his during the years surrounding his first campaign. Bergegren maintained his visions from 1910 throughout his life, but was also critical to the ideas proposed by the Myrdals regarding population growth even though these in part aligned with his original ideas. The article argues that neo-Malthusianism provided Bergegren with a framework for addressing broader questions of sexual and reproductive reform. His writings can therefore be understood as expressing a distinct Swedish form of neo-Malthusianism.