Today's ETC: Sweden has all the conditions to eliminate segregation
August 3, 2025
Shared City writes in Dagens ETC about residential segregation as one of the main causes behind many of the societal challenges that are highly relevant in Sweden and globally: social exclusion, crime and unequal educational outcomes.
At the same time, Sweden has some of the best conditions in the world to break this pattern, but it makes little difference when we lack a national housing policy worthy of the name.
Shared City’s proposals for addressing integration by building away segregation:
Legislate on housing provision and the distribution of different tenure forms to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to affordable housing.
The starting point for national housing policy should be that housing is a human right and that lawmakers therefore have a responsibility.
A national policy for urban development and a national housing policy make it possible to set a long‑term direction for municipalities. This is particularly important in countries like Sweden with strong local self‑government.
Prioritise public transport, cycling and walking to create the conditions needed to reduce car dependency in cities so that motorised traffic is no longer required in city centres. Parking spaces can then be drastically reduced in favour of other types of development.
Build rental housing in areas dominated by tenant‑owned housing, and tenant‑owned housing in million‑programme areas dominated by rentals.
Create public spaces with neighbourhood‑based community functions. Less unnecessary travel is good for the climate. Good transport connections increase socio‑economic equality.
Establish squares, routes, streets, schoolyards, libraries, public buildings, sports grounds, playgrounds and other public spaces that bring together different groups and activities.
Create space for continuous citizen participation and dialogue with residents and other local actors.
This is an excerpt. Read the full article here (in Swedish).