You win some you lose some : Sweden’s interpretation of Multiculturalism and Sami rights

Abstract: This thesis illustrates the Swedish interpretation of the national policy framework on minority and indigenous rights, by including an analysis of the Gállok mining case. The study consists of an ideology analysis of the said framework and three liberal positions on multiculturalism. The scholars Will Kymlicka, Charles Taylor, and Brian Barry each convey three approaches to the implementation of group rights. Their positions provide insights into how Sweden acts as a multicultural state. The findings are that the intentions behind Sweden’s policy framework on minority rights are to preserve and protect cultural diversity, which correlates to the core elements of liberalism according to the three liberal theories. Sweden’s implementation of the policy framework conflicts with Taylor’s argument for equal recognition, and with Kymlicka’s position on expecting minorities to adapt to majority interests. The Swedish approach follows the reasoning of Barry, where minority interests can be compromised to benefit the majority population.