Socially mixed housing : A study on the operationalisation and outcomes of social mix policy in Sweden

Abstract: In response to increasing patterns of socio-spatial segregation, Swedish cities have adopted policies to promote social mix, which is generally considered positive due to its effect on spatial justice and social cohesion. However, institutional changes have negatively impacted the possibilities of fulfilling this policy objective. Moreover, there is a suggested discrepancy between objective and outcome. This paper is a comparative study on the operationalisation and outcomes of social mix policies in Sweden, focusing on two large-scale urban development projects; Stockholm Royal Seaport and RiverCity Gothenburg. Qualitative content analysis of planning documents and interviews with key actors have been conducted and the results demonstrate that in both cases, social mix has been promoted to some extent by planning for a diverse housing structure. In Gothenburg, additional measures have been taken in order to safeguard affordability. However, the absence of such measures in the case of Stockholm has resulted in the exclusion of low-income households. I argue that while there is a perceived inability among the planners of Stockholm to influence housing costs, the planners of Gothenburg have found ways of utilising the current institutional setting in favor of social mix. By applying a social justice perspective, I conclude that a policy approach safeguarding the affordability of housing is critical for combating residential segregation and spatial injustice.