Report
Många bidrar, få orkar bära: Ideellt arbete i Sverige 1992–2024
2025Lundberg, E., Henrekson, E., & von Essen, J.Marie Cederschiöld högskola, Arbetsrapport nr 123
What is this study about?
The report examines how voluntary work in Sweden has developed between 1992 and 2024. Drawing on recurring population surveys, it analyses how many people do voluntary work, how much time they spend on it, and in which types of organizations the engagement takes place. The report also examines who engages and what significance people's resources, social networks and life situation have for participation.
What did we find?
How has Swedes' voluntary work changed over the past three decades? The report shows a striking stability: around half of the population still does voluntary work. At the same time, engagement is unevenly distributed – many contribute, but a smaller group carries a large share of the work. The results also show how access to resources and social networks affects who gets engaged.
Why does it matter?
Voluntary work is an important resource for Swedish civil society and for many activities in areas such as sport, culture, social work and interest organizations. That around half of the population still does voluntary work shows a considerable continuity in Swedish engagement. At the same time, the uneven distribution raises an important question about who actually carries the voluntary work. The report therefore shows that the future conditions of civil society concern not only how many people engage, but also how responsibility and work are distributed and who has the opportunity to participate.
Citation
Lundberg, E., Henrekson, E., & von Essen, J. (2025) Många bidrar, få orkar bära: Ideellt arbete i Sverige 1992–2024. Marie Cederschiöld högskola, Arbetsrapport nr 123
Research area
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