Kandidatuppsats i Statsvetenskap – Södra ... - Sebastian Bay

Abstract
In 1974 the three municipalities of Åsele, Dorotea and Fredrika were
amalgamated despite of hunger strikes, mass protests and a serious threat of
violence. But after six years the marriage shattered as Dorotea left the other two
after years of continued struggle. In 2005 the idea of an amalgamation of Åsele,
Dorotea and Vilhelmina municipalities was brought to life by an older and ever
declining population.
By creating a democratic ideal type consisting of the three variables –
legitimacy, participation and identity – this study assesses what impact an
amalgamation of the three municipalities might have on local democracy.
Combining a qualitative and a quantitative approach this study concludes that
amalgamating the municipalities today could create a democratic unit lacking
legitimacy, having a weak identity and impeding participation. But the study also
brings forth that the impact of an amalgamation upon the variables of the ideal
type as defined is not written in stone. Rather by careful though and consideration
a number of the negative impacts upon the ideal type can be erased or reduced. As
such democracy is not static but can be enhanced or undermined by conscious
effort.
Keywords: Municipal amalgamation, democracy, legitimacy, participation,
identity.