Regional planning from a rural perspective : A discourse analysis of how countryside is perceived in relation to the city in the planning practice of Västerbotten

Sweden is one of the countries of Europe that has the fastest rate of urbanization and The Swedish National Audit Office recognizes a risk of an increased polarization between urban and rural areas. This study examines what perceptions of city and country that are dominating the Swedish planning landscape. The study is based on a discourse analysis of the Regional development strategy of Västerbotten, interviews with officials at rural municipalities and a theoretical framework concerning the relationship between city and country. The results suggest that a market liberal discourse is dominating the Swedish planning practice, but it is also argued that a Keynesian discourse is traceable among the informants. A part from a market liberal discourse the regional development strategy of Västerbotten is also reproducing an unequal balance of power where the city is superior to the countryside. The officials at the municipality are not reproducing this power relation to the same extent, but are associating sustainability with the preconditions of the city. The thesis is concluded with some suggestion on how the regional planning can be developed to promote good living conditions in the rural municipalities and in long term a reduced polarization between urban and rural areas