The Impact of Sense of Place : A qualitative case study on youth crime in Teleborg Växjö

Abstract: Youth crime is a current topic in the news and seems to be a serious challenge for several municipalities in Sweden. Therefore, this study investigated the increasing youth crime in Växjö municipality, especially the Teleborg centrum area. The study focused on the role that sense of place plays in relation to youth crime. The selected research method is a qualitative method and semi-structured interviews. Thirteen interviews were conducted and categorized into three categories: one youths who lives near the area Teleborg center, two residents in the area and three Växjö municipality workers, and other relevant individuals. The collected material was analyzed with the help of the concept of sense of place presented in the literature review and the idea of neighborhood decay, as well as Travis Hirschi's theory of social bonds. This study's findings show youth who live near Teleborg center have strong bonds concerning the family, school, and society in general. Therefore, youths who live near Teleborg center are not prone to develop criminal character. The result also shows that sense of place is weak and impacts youths' behaviors, contributing to insecurity and anti-social behaviors in Teleborg Center. Further, the results show the area Teleborg center lacks a strong community that promotes collective action to tackle instability concerns in the area. However, it is important to acknowledge that the results cannot be generalized to the entire population.