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M.A. University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Humanities (The African Centre for Migration & Society), 2012 / This research is located in the broader body of literature and activity that have sought to comprehend the xenophobic violence of 2008 in South Africa and the persistence of this phenomenon, especially in poor locales of the main urban areas. The primary objective is to explore the perceptions that South Africans have of the rights of those people designated as outsiders and/or foreigners who live in areas that have experienced xenophobic violence targeting foreigners as well as people of South African minority ethnic groups. This study attempts to unpack the discourse of insider versus outsider rights within South African communities in relation to South Africa’s recent history - the xenophobic violence of 2008. Notably, it examines the challenge brought about by the crushing of space and time as an effect of globalization and how this has contributed to the process of multi-culturalism and multi-ethnicity that local communities are largely unprepared to cope with. This study contributes to the understanding of “otherness” as a key issue to design and implement better policies and practices that are necessary to promote the social and spatial inclusion of international migrants in Africa and the world. The empirics of this study give credence to the view that migrants’ rights operate at the rhetorical level, largely due to the lack of political will to translate them into actual benefits. The study specifically looks at two communities affected by xenophobic violence - Tembisa and Alexandra. Focusing on South Africans, the study draws on information gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews and group discussions carried out from July through October 2011. The findings are examined through thematic content analysis.

To obtain the purpose of this study, three following questions were asked:● How are three government agencies working with the transition to the increased amount of digital services?● What effects does digitalization have on the selected authorities?● How do they counteract the risk that some individuals will find it difficult to take advantage of the authorities services at a time when an increased amount of work is being transferred to digital forms?Since digitalization of the public sector first occurred around the year of 2010 in Europe, Sweden has been one of the frontrunners in the development of digitalizing their public sector. Despite Sweden’s good use of digitalization it is clear that a digital divide exists in the northern country within different public authorities. The main purpose of this study is to describe how the Swedish authorities; the Swedish Tax Agency, the Swedish social insurance agency and the Swedish pensions agency include the excluded target groups and individuals who are within the digital divide. This was formed following the increased digitalization of self-service services. The purpose is also to see the similarities and differences between the authorities linked to theories and strategies. The empirical material has been collected from interviews and previous research. The method used in this study is a qualitative and comparative approach to successfully investigate differences between the selected authorities. The main conclusion is that there is a clear digital divide, especially within the older target group. As for the effects of the digitalized public authorities, some of the advantages refer to cost-benefits and a more open, efficient and accessible authorities. Although there are also disadvantages such as risks to unsee/miss important details in individual cases and that the selected authorities indirectly fail their social responsibility: to include all citizens. The authorities combine personal meetings with digital services to minimize the digital divide.

Socialt utanförskap är ett stort problem som förekommer inom fritidsverksamheten där tidigare forskning betonar vikten av sociala relationer, grupporienterade aktiviteter och samspel mellan eleverna. Fritidshemsläraren bör vara lyhörd och finnas till stöd för eleverna. Syftet grundar sig i fritidshemslärarnas syn, roll och åtgärder i förhållande till socialt utanförskap. Den teoretiska utgångspunkten är relationell pedagogik. Studien är kvalitativ och utgår ifrån kvalitativa intervjuer och semi-strukturerade observationer. Resultatet presenteras genom tre olika huvudteman kopplat till de teoretiska begreppen där det empiriska materialet visar på olika synsätt och åtgärder som tas för att motverka socialt utanförskap. Diskussionen visar samband mellan resultaten från det insamlade materialet med tidigare forskning. / Social exclusion is a major problem that occurs within recreational activities where previous research emphasizes the importance of social relationships, group-oriented activities, and interaction between students. The recreational teacher should be attentive and provide support for the students. The purpose is based on the recreational teachers' views, roles, and actions in relation to social exclusion. The theoretical starting point is relational pedagogy. The study is qualitative and based on qualitative interviews and semi-structured observations. The results are presented through three main themes related to theoretical concepts, where the empirical material shows different views and actions taken to counteract social exclusion. The discussion shows connections between the results from the collected material and previous research.

A frequent source of pine tree mortality in recent years can be attributed to pine bark beetles and their vectored Ophiostomatoid fungi, an organism that has been observed to attract subterranean termites that preferentially recruit to this downed woody debris. This interaction may significantly modify biogeochemical fluxes in bark beetle mass mortality events, but studies are often limited to singular regions or single pine-dominated ecosystems. Two studies were designed to test the interactive effects of these associations on terrestrial biogeochemical cycles and decomposition processes, the first using replicated field trials in Mississippi, Arizona, and Honduras across two years and the second across five years in Mississippi. Both studies utilized Ophiostomatoid inoculation and invertebrate exclusion techniques to determine the individual and interactive contributions from biotic factors on biogeochemical cycling. Local drivers were found to have greater influence on biogeochemical cycling and decomposition before climate drivers overwhelmed their influence in later years.

Desрite discretionаry exclusion ground рrovided by Аrticle 57(4)(d) of the Directive 2014/24 thаt аllows contrаcting аuthorities to exclude unreliаble tenderers from рrocurement рrocedures, there is still uncertаinty regаrding both the scoрe of this рrovision аnd the рrinciрle of рroрortionаlity used by contrаcting аuthorities under the Аrticle. Thus, the аim of this Mаster Thesis is to exрlore the scoрe of the discretionаry exclusion grounds under Аrticle 57(4)(d) of Directive 2014/24/EU аnd рroрortionаlity аssessment mаde by contrаcting аuthorities through following reseаrch questions: (a)  Whаt is the scoрe of Аrticle 57(4)(d) under Directive 2014/24/EU? (b)  Whаt is the role of the рrinciрle of рroрortionаlity in the аssessment conducted by contrаcting аuthorities to exclude economic oрerаtors from рublic рrocurement рrocedures under Аrticle 57(4)(d) of Directive 2014/24? Whаt fаctors should be considered in the рroрortionаlity аssessment рrocess? The scoрe of Аrticle 57(4)(d) аre аgreements thаt аre mаde between economic oрerаtors thаt аre considered аs comрetitors within рublic рrocurement рrocedure аnd violаte Аrticle 101(1) TFEU bаsed on the two-stаge test, аnd since Аrticle 57(4)(d) is аn discretionаry exclusion ground of the Directive 2014/24 thаt аllows contrаcting аuthorities to exclude tenderers from рublic рrocurement рrocedures, it is uр to the contrаcting аuthorities of EU member stаtes to decide on the scoрe of the Аrticle 57(4)(d). However, it is still uncleаr how the рrinciрle of рroрortionаlity under Аrticle 57(6) of Directive 2014/24 shаll be used by contrаcting аuthorities uрon mаking such а decision. Therefore, the аuthor concludes thаt contrаcting аuthorities could use the рrinciрle of рroрortionаlity under Аrticle 101(1) TFEU рrior mаking а decision whether to exclude economic oрerаtors from the рublic рrocurement рrocedures under Аrticle 57(4)(d) or not. On the contrаry, Аrticle 101(3) TFEU could be used by contrаcting аuthorities when exercising “wide mаrgin of аррreciаtion” to evаluаte economic oрerаtors’ submitted evidence in order to mаke а conclusion whether the economic oрerаtor concerned mаnаged to restore its reliаbility аnd, thus, is аllowed to continue раrticiраting in рublic рrocurement рrocedures аfter “self-cleаning” meаsures tаken under Аrticle 57(6).

The share of elderly people in the worlds population is evergrowing and research has shown that elderly people may face difficulties when using public transport. Therefore the purpose of this study is to investigate elderly individuals usage of public transport and the role of transport providers as well as decision makers in Malmö. This has been done using qualitative methods which includes both semi-structured interviews with transport providers and decision makers but also a focus group consisting of elderly individuals. The theoretical framework contains three concepts, mobility, social exclusion and perceived accessibility along with factors that affects elderly peoples use of public transport. Differences in priorities regarding public transport also constitutes the theoretical framework. The studys empirical material consists of information concerning elderly travelers experiences using the public transport in Malmö but also how transport providers and decision makers work in order to promote this groups usage. The analysis discuss how increased mobility for elderly travelers could decrease the risk for social exclusion along with how different factors affect their perceived accessibility. Priorities of transport providers and decisions makers as well as elderly travelers is also discussed. The conclusions show that using public transport facilitates the possibilities for elderly travelers to carry out activities as well as socializing with family and friends, which decrease the risk for social exclusion. How the busdriver manage the bus and the characteristics of the seats seems to affect elderlys perceived accessibility the most. However, elderly travelers, decision makers and transport providers seem to have similar priorities regarding public transport in Malmö. / Andelen äldre människor i världen blir allt större och forskning visar att vid användande av kollektivtrafik så kan äldre resenärer uppleva svårigheter. Syftet med denna studie är därmed att undersöka äldres användning av kollektivtrafiken och vilken roll kollektivtrafiksaktörer har i detta. Detta har gjorts genom användandet av kvalitativa metoder, i form av semistrukturerade intervjuer med kollektivtrafiksaktörer och en fokusgrupp bestående av äldre resenärer. Det teoretiska ramverket består dels av de tre begreppen mobilitet, social exkludering och upplevd tillgänglighet men även faktorer som påverkar äldres användning av kollektivtrafiken. Vidare så utgör även skillnader i prioriteringar en del av det teoretiska ramverket. Studiens empiriska material består av äldre resenärers upplevelser av kollektivtrafiken i form av information insamlad via en fokusgrupp och intervjuer utförda av Malmö stad. Utöver detta så utgör även kollektivtrafiksaktörers arbete för att främja äldres användning av kollektivtrafiken en del av det empiriska materialet. I analysen diskuteras hur ökad mobilitet för äldre individer kan reducera risken för social exkludering men även hur de olika faktorer påverkar de äldre resenärernas upplevda tillgänglighet. Kollektivtrafiksaktörerna och de äldre resenärernas prioriteringar diskuteras även. Slutsatsen visar att användandet av kollektivtrafik främjar möjligheten för äldre resenärer att delta i aktivitet och socialisera med vänner och familj, vilket minskar risken för social exkludering. Busschaufförernas körning och sätenas egenskaper är faktorer som tycks påverka äldre resenärernas upplevda tillgänglighet mest. Däremot tycks både äldre resenärer och kollektivtrafiksaktörer ha liknande prioriteringar om kollektivtrafiken i Malmö.

Throughout the history of Architecture and Urbanism, many efforts were made and continue being done in order to learn how to successfully design good built environments for human beings. This goal has not only expanded to several other fields such as Geography, Sociology, and Environmental Psychology but also received new and invaluable contributions from several other unexpected fields. Such might be the case with the field of Viticulture and its interesting concept of terroir which has already been used to address topics connected with urbanism and against the increased globalization. The process of globalization in which people are instead considered as citizens of a new global world order reduces the place and rather creates a world of “placelessness”. As a concept, terroir sheds light on the importance of authenticity and how a sense of feeling can generate a cultural identity. However, in a time where neoliberal politics are increasing with a strengthened nationalism, it can also be a source of politics. Although its authenticity can be used as a means to work against globalization, it can also install a perception of unity to the local people, therefore excluding foreigners and maintaining an ideal that is unattainable for multicultural cities. The purpose of this paper is to primarily suggest a definition for a new concept entitled urban terroir and to reveal the elements of the interactive urban ecosystem of a place embodied in our cities’ characteristic and distinctive qualities. In addition, the paper also has an objective of understanding how architects, planners, politicians, and developers can deeply understand terroir when creating places and policies without excluding people from the developed cultural identity it is meant to create. This is possible by interviewing residents from three cities in France, Mulhouse, Dunkerque, and Toulouse, and different areas in the municipality of Stockholm about their respective perception of terroir in the form of authenticity and its linkage to placemaking that may act as an accelerator to further exclusion of cultural minorities in the urban environment. The obtained results conclude a definition of urban terroir as a compilation of elements and certain characteristics that collectively, with respect to the residents in an area, make up the essence of a city. These elements comprise the architecture and its historical significance, inherent traditions tied to the region, temporal legibility, the elements of scale including nodes, paths, landmarks, districts as well as edges, and ultimately, the inclusion of minorities. The author also raises the potential romanticization of nationalism with terroir and authenticity. Thus, policies according to Interculturalism are derived which firstly include acknowledging the impact that politicians have. This includes securing housing, providing strategies to work against the identified ethnic segregation, and developing an agenda that promotes interactions whilst simultaneously nurturing inclusive cultural identities. As for architects and urban planners, the study concludes the potential placemaking has in fostering micro-public places in the city where different cultures can meet. The authenticity behind these places should go beyond the physical attributes and instead include the people living in the city. It becomes crucial to view the city as not limited to the inner-city, but also validate the right to the city and placemaking of inhabitants residing in the periphery by organizing initiatives that foster growth in such areas of the city. By working against the identified current state, in the form of generating authentic interactions with a social attachment to minority cultures, urban planners are able to present an understanding of the inevitable political aspect of placemaking.

Introduction: The study provides a comprehensive overview of how it has become increasingly common in today's job market for employers to request criminal record checks during the hiring process. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how the criminal record affects the employment prospects of individuals with a criminal background and to analyze the methods identified as effective in supporting individuals who have been denied employment due to their criminal record. Method: To address the study's objectives, a qualitative research approach was chosen, involving content analysis and document analysis. Results: Individuals with a criminal record face greater challenges in reintegrating into the labor market due to the stigmatization and labeling associated with having a criminal record. The results showed that individuals with a criminal record experience social exclusion, discrimination, and stigmatization. Furthermore, the findings indicate that these individuals are indirectly punished even after serving their sentence, as they face limitations in their opportunities for labor market reintegration. Society views them as deviant, further hindering the reintegration of individuals with previous criminal convictions and increasing the likelihood of recidivism. Therefore, it is important to implement strategies and interventions that focus on the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals with criminal backgrounds into the labor market.

Immigrant men often appear in discussions about crime and exclusion in the Swedish social debate. The purpose of this study was therefore to illustrate voices from individuals who have experiences of exclusion in relation to immigration to Sweden and establishment in Swedish society. Immigrant men’s experiences of exclusion and in-betweenness have been main issues in this study. The material chosen for this study are five autobiographical works in order to provide us with the authors' own descriptions of their experiences. Thematic analysis has been used as a method to be able to bring out the overall common experiences that appear in the books by presenting them as different themes. Erving Goffman's theories of stigma and self-presentation are used to explain experiences of feeling outside and in-between two countries that are made up of different cultural norms and societal structures. We found that the authors share similar experiences of exclusion and in-betweenness. The authors find themselves in alienation during a period of their lives because they are in a new context and differ in relation to the majority. It is also connected with the in-betweenness that we understand as having one foot in two worlds which is called liminality, a social transition the authors go through when they start to find themselves in a new context. The exclusion takes place on two fronts, in relation to their countrymen and the Swedish where the authors find themselves in an in-between state. / Invandrarmän förekommer ofta i diskussioner om kriminalitet och utanförskap i den svenska samhällsdebatten. Syftet med denna studie var därför att åskådliggöra röster från individer som har erfarenheter av utanförskap i samband med invandring till Sverige och etableringen i det svenska samhället. Invandrarmäns upplevelser av utanförskap och mellanförskap har varit huvudfrågor i denna studie. Empiri som valts för studien är fem självbiografiska verk för att kunna förse oss med författarnas egna beskrivningar av sina upplevelser. Tematisk analys har använts som metod för att kunna få fram de övergripande gemensamma upplevelser som förekommer i böckerna genom att presentera dem som olika teman. Erving Goffmans teorier om stigma och självframställning används för att förklara erfarenheter av att känna sig utanför och mellan två länder som utgörs av olika kulturella normer och samhällsstrukturer. Vi kom fram till att författarna delar liknande upplevelser av utanförskap och mellanförskap. Författarna befinner sig under en period av livet i ett utanförskap eftersom de befinner sig i ett nytt sammanhang och är avvikande i relation till majoriteten. Det hänger även ihop med mellanförskapet som vi förstår som att ha en fot i två världar som benämns som liminalitet, en social övergång författarna genomgår då de börjar att befinna sig i en ny kontext. Utanförskapet sker på två fronter, i relation till sina landsmän och det svenska varvid författarna befinner sig i ett mellanförskap.