From recession to success – the effects of the ´new industrialization´ in a small local community in the county of Norrbotten 2007-2026

The aim is to study what happens to a small local community´s social cohesion, status system and behavioral patterns when extensive financial investments are carried out there for a limited period of time.

The project draws attention to changes in attitudes and values, status alternations in working life and leisure, behavioral changes, time use/management and how perceptions of the future have changed as an effect of the new industrialization of northern Sweden.

Empirically, the project deals with the effects of the mining establishment in Pajala municipality during the period 2007–2026.Research questionsIn what way have the demographics, economy, well-being, recreational use and general health of the local community changed as a consequence of the mine establishment?In what way have changes in social status taken place between different groups as a result of the mine establishmentWhat significance does the establishment of the mining industry in Pajala have for young people´s perceptions of future career paths?What possible "new" social problems have arisen as a consequence of the rapid local growth in the municipality?What new future do people see in Pajala municipality?Data and method.The project is based partly on existing qualitative and quantitative data/surveys from 2008 and 2019/20, and partly on supplementary data collection that is planned to be carried out in 2025-26 (interviews, surveys) and processing of public register data (health, economy, education, etc.).Societal relevance and utilisation.The project provides unique knowledge of the way in which extensive industrial investments in a small community in a limited period of time have altered a trend of emigration, failing health (at an aggregate level) and lack of faith in the future, etc., in a direction containg positive effcts as well as severe challenges to meet.Plan for project realisation.The research group has followed the mining establishment in Pajala municipality since the start in 2007/08, which provides good opportunities to study long-term behavioral and value-related changes that have taken place in the wake of the new industrialization.

The results can be scaled up to both regional and national levels and will constitute an important empirically validated knowledge base for understanding the socio-economic and cultural effects of the new industrialization that is currently taking place, primarily in the northern parts of Sweden, but also elsewhere in Europe as a whole.