Gängkriminalitet i medier och politik : En kvalitativ studie av fältarbetares perspektiv på mediala och politiska diskurser och dess påverkan på ungdomar i stigmatiserade områden

Gang crime is currently seen as one of the biggest societal problems in Sweden, which has led to new political measures and a large media focus. The aim of this study has been to analyze how outreach workers describe the media and political discourse of youth in stigmatized areas linked to gang crime, using qualitative method. We also wanted to study outreach workers opinions on what significance this might have on social work as well as on youth in stigmatized areas. Our theoretical framework is based on Erving Goffmans theory on stigma and Loïc Wacquants theory on territorial stigmatization. The outreach workers we interviewed are critical of the media and the politicalportrayal of youth in disadvantaged areas, claiming it being harsh and stigmatizing as it overlooks the structural causes behind entering a criminal lifestyle. In their opinion there is a risk that the media reinforces stereotypes and further social marginalization and segregation. They also believe that territorial stigmatization might have a negative effect on young people's perspective of their self-image and future possibilities. The result showed different opinions regarding the ethical implications and effectiveness of tougher political measures. An increased cooperation between social services and police might jeopardize the trust for agencies which can affect the relationship building between fieldworkers and marginalized youths.