Human dignity in the modern society : Ideas about alcohol, efficiency and family among the Blue- and White ribbon in Norrbotten

This essay concerns the temperance movements Blue Ribbon and White Ribbon inNorrbotten, Sweden. Their ideas about alcohol, industrialisation, family, humanity andproductivity. The period examined is 1905-1985, which nearly covers the whole of themovements history. Swedish and international research on the subject reveals temperancemovements had a negative view on the industrial society during the late 19th and early 20thcentury. The perceived problems were alcoholism and predatory capitalism. The family wasvalued highly both in itself and through its importance for the future well-being of the nation.The same results applies to Blue Ribbon and White Ribbon in Norrbotten. In addition greedwas seen as problematic, as well as lost productivity due to alcohol consumption. Humanitywas seen as very important, both within and between countries