The Begging Question

Erik Hansson's The Begging Question explores Sweden's societal response to EU migrants, revealing the complexities of racism and economic disparity in contemporary society.

In The Begging Question, Erik Hansson delves into the complex dynamics of Swedish society's response to the influx of European Union citizens, particularly the Romanian and Bulgarian Roma, who began begging in the 2010s. This phenomenon, perceived as foreign and uncharacteristic of Sweden, forced many homeless individuals to occupy public spaces, challenging societal norms and aesthetics. As these individuals sought economic opportunities, their presence sparked anxiety among the Swedish populace, leading to a rise in hate crimes and everyday racism.

The backdrop of Europe's refugee crisis during the same period intensified the scrutiny surrounding the so-called EU migrants. The media's portrayal of these individuals exacerbated tensions, revealing deep contradictions within Swedish society. While authorities denied social support to these beggars, they simultaneously aimed to uphold an image of welfare, equality, and antiracism. This contradiction highlighted a crisis that transcended mere economics, touching upon moral and political dimensions that reshaped public discourse.

Erik Hansson's analysis in The Begging Question goes beyond surface-level observations, employing Marxian economics and Lacanian psychoanalysis to unpack the racialized nature of capitalism and class society. He explores how collective anxieties and desires influence societal reactions, revealing the unsettling normalization of criminalizing begging and the rise of fascist ideologies within Sweden. Through this lens, Hansson offers not just an exploration of a captivating country but also a profound reflection on human nature itself.