There is much to learn concerning the local nobilities in Sweden. This paper attempts to answer whether or not the mayors of Kalmar are to be acknowledged as members of the local elite during the 18th century. In order to receive a deeper understanding regarding this matter, one must also investigate what significations are located within the elite terminology. All this and more will be answered with support from the latest research by Gudrun Andersson among others. By studying inventories of estate and biographical archive materials one is acquainted with fourteen early modern men who carried out their political and social careers in the city of Kalmar. Because the term elite is dependent on the different circumstances in its surrounding environment, it has been divided into four categories in this paper; political, economic, social and cultural factors. The conclusion is made that the mayors all belonged within the political elite. All of them also show some characteristics which are consistent with an economic elite, however the situation is complex and is therefore more firmly discussed in this paper. Concerning social and cultural elites, the mayors fulfill much of the requirements and the conclusion is therefore made that they most certainly are a part of the local elite in Kalmar city.

This study delves into a captivating yet often overlooked research area - the leadership challenges faced by female mayors across Africa, who make up just 5% of mayors worldwide. It specifically aims to explore the challenges that female African mayors encounter in their leadership roles as women. As current and past research primarily examines Western contexts, this study seeks to broaden our understanding of leadership by investigating African contexts. Two main questions are at the forefront: 1.      What are the conditions like for female mayors after they have been elected as the highest leaders of their respective municipalities in a selection of African developing countries? 2.      What leadership challenges do they face from a gender perspective? The present study employs a qualitative, abductive, and hermeneutic (interpretative) approach. Seven African female mayors who participated in the "Women’s Political Leadership Programme" are interviewed. Thematic analysis is used as the processing method. Two overarching themes emerge: "Conditions" and "Constraints". Under "Conditions", discussions revolve around cultural and religious expectations, institutional norms and hierarchies, leadership role models and support systems, as well as acceptance from both men and women. "Constraints" encompass gender-stereotypical perceptions of women and leadership, tribalism, as well as violence and harassment. These themes shed light on the complex circumstances that shape the leadership of female African mayors. Their exercise of leadership is influenced by a combination of supportive and hindering factors. Cultural and religious expectations, institutional norms, and threats of violence pose barriers, while positive expectations and acceptance promote their success. The study provides insights into a seldom-explored context and highlights the complex nature of the challenges and opportunities faced by female African mayors in their leadership roles. / Denna studie syftar till att utforska de utmaningar som kvinnliga afrikanska borgmästare i södra och östra Afrika möter i sin ledarroll som kvinnor. Då nuvarande och tidigare forskning främst undersöker västerländska förhållanden, söker denna studie bredda vår förståelse av ledarskap genom att undersöka dessa afrikanska kontexter. Två huvudfrågor står i fokus: 1.                   Hur ser villkoren ut för kvinnliga borgmästare efter att de har blivit valda till kommunens högsta ledare i ett urval afrikanska utvecklingsländer? 2.                   Vilka ledarskapsutmaningar ställs de inför ur ett genusperspektiv? Föreliggande studie har en kvalitativ, abduktiv och hermeneutisk ansats. Totalt sju afrikanska kvinnliga borgmästare som deltagit i ledarskapsprogrammet ”Women’s Political Leadership Programme” intervjuas. Som analysmetod används tematisk analys. Två övergripande teman framträder: "Förutsättningar" och "Begränsningar". Under "Förutsättningar" diskuteras kulturella och religiösa förväntningar, institutionella normer och hierarkier, ledarskapsförebilder och stödsystem samt acceptans från både män och kvinnor. "Begränsningar" omfattar könsstereotypa föreställningar om kvinnor och ledarskap, tribalism, samt våld och trakasserier. Dessa teman visar på de komplexa förhållanden som präglar kvinnliga afrikanska borgmästares ledarskap. Deras utövande av ledarskap påverkas av en kombination av stödjande och hindrande faktorer. Kulturella och religiösa förväntningar, institutionella normer och hot om våld utgör hinder, emedan positiva förväntningar och acceptans främjar deras framgång. Studien ger insikter i en sällan utforskad kontext och belyser den komplexa naturen hos de utmaningar och möjligheter som kvinnliga afrikanska borgmästare står inför i sitt ledarskap.