United against narcotics : a discourse analysis of drug policy during the years 1984-2000

The main objective of this study was to explore the problems and solutions surrounding the discursive reality of Swedish drug policy and, at the same time, determine whether its policy could be deemed paternalistic. The theoretical framework used in this study consists of various paternalistic theories – ranging from general paternalism to legal paternalism. The methodological approach is based on Mörkenstams three-dimensional applied method, consisting of the following framework: problem – reason – solution, with its foundation relying on the principles of methodological discourse analysis. The material researched ranges from 1984 through 2000 and consists of two governmental official investigations (SOU) and two government bills. The material was carefully chosen due to each document's contribution to the development of Swedish drug policy under the last two decades of the 20th century. Each document was surveyed using the consistent method of problem – reason – solution. The conclusion is that the use and misuse of narcotics cannot be accepted by the Swedish society. This problematic situation corresponds with the clarification of a need for societal institutions to better collaborate against all forms of illicit drug use. In addition, it is concluded that paternalistic tendencies are shown throughout the policy documents