A Sense of Place : Outdoor Pursuits and Cabin Fever. A Nordic Haven for Gender Equality

Abstract: This thesis aims to examine how Swedish ‘sommarstuga’ (Summer Cottage) or ‘cabins’ contributes to the production of gender equal values. This ethnographic work is based on the central case study of the members from Uppsala Extremsportförening, (UppX) and their interactions during two cabin trips; one to a surf cabin in Ericeira Portugal and the other a family cabin in Ängskärs, Sweden. The fieldwork conducted was implemented in a multi-sited ethnographic approach allowing for a broader perspective of possible fieldsites and the techniques of ‘Following The People’ and ‘Carnal Sociology’. Consequently, this led to unique experiences where the ‘sense of place’ of Swedish cabin traditions and values could be seen being practiced in Portugal. While, aiming to address the participants of this fieldwork thoughts and views on myths and misconceptions of Sweden’s image as a utopia or role model for egalitarian values. This thesis highlights that cabins and their surrounding spaces facilitate more than just sporting pursuits. They are a microcosm of interactions, a social space for family and friends, for play and gender politics; a world within a world. Concluding that, Swedish cabins are a ‘heterotopia’ or haven that facilitates gender equal interactions, evidencing this through case studies of gender equal participation in various sporting activities while staying in two very different cabins.