The book (Workers and the Prehistory of Right-Wing Populism) by Swedish historian and professor emeritus of history Björn Hörgby, published by Carlson Publishing, presents a profound historical and social study that seeks to dismantle the mystery of the resounding rise of right-wing populist movements and parties in Sweden, such as the “Sweden Democrats” party, during recent decades. The book moves away from traditional political analyzes that focus only on the intellectual heritage of parties or their declared ideological programmes, to shift its focus entirely towards...The supporting masses themselves, examining the historical, cultural and social roots that created this widespread state of popular discontent and fueled the victories of those movements.
Professor Horgby goes back in time to the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution in Sweden, through the stages of formation and establishment of the Swedish welfare state, to observe with an expert eye the gradual and profound transformations that have occurred in the collective thought of the working class over the decades and how its concepts and cultural identity have changed.The author employs his long research experience in labor history, labor culture, power mechanisms, and oral history to present, through the pages of this work, which extends to approximately two hundred and fifty pages, a very important political and historical document that helps academics and readers alike understand the complex and forgotten backgrounds behind the emergence of contemporary populism and the change in the popular political mood in the country.
