A qualitative study of how Småland local media depict Florence Stephen's declaration of invalidity This is a study that deals with the way in which Florence Stephen's declaration of affairs is viewed from the perspective of the local press. Previous research done in the field shows that Stephen was declared invalid on February 23, 1957, and the proposal for this was already taken on October 27, 1956. To complete the study, a qualitative text analysis has been conducted. This has been done with help from the newspapers Smålandsposten, Kronobergaren and Växjöbladet. Lukes and Focault's power perspective has been used as theoretical tools to analyze the results of the study. The result of the study shows that the papers depict the course starting from the first hearing on January 17, 1957 until Stephens asks himself unauthorized. Until her declaration of confidentiality, the newspapers write partly why the decision on her declaration of invalidity was taken and partly who made the decision. In newspapers, it is also possible to read that Stephen opposed the decision and fought for his authority. In addition, historical perspectives are presented regarding the negative development that occurred during her time as a user owner.

Florence Stephens became the owner of Huseby bruk, an industry located in Småland, 1934 while she was just over 50 years old, she inherited it from her late father. Huseby bruk, while under the ownership her father Huseby bruk had a thriving economy and expanded. When he died his daughter Florence Stephens took over. Missing formal education regarding how to manage an industry led to a declining economy and later one of the bigger economic scandals in the county. One of the outcomes of the scandal was that Florence Stephens was declared a legally incompetent person and she remained so in 19 years. This study aims to fill in the gaps of studies regarding her attempts to regain her legal competence and in the legal dispute about arranging an administrator for Florence Stephens that followed. Further this study analyzes her right of possession to Huseby bruk and if she had all the rights she was entitled. The source material chosen for this study is documents left over from her cases located at Linnéuniversitetet in the Huseby archives. The result reached by the study was that Florence Stephens regained her legally competence 1976 which led to a response from Alvesta chief guardian requesting that this only happens if an administrator is assigned. This lead to a long lawsuit ending in October 1978. Regarding her possession of Huseby have the study concluded that she still had the rights but they were not absolute.