Rusdryckens vara eller inte vara
En jämförelsestudie mellan två lokala tidningar inför och efter folkomröstningen 1922
This survey has as its aim to see how two local newspapers in the city Växjö and the region of Kronoberg in Sweden reported and acted in connection to the referendum taking place in 1922 whether or not alcoholic beverages should be prohibited. In order to do this we analyzed Smålandsposten and Nya Växjöbladet to see their reporting. We found that the numbers of articles and debate contributions increased during the months closer to the referendum. We also found that Nya Växjöbladet where slightly supporting the prohibition of alcohol while Smålandsposten where against it. The arguments used by both sides during the debate were also analyzed. Here, we discovered, that many of the arguments where used several times and by many different operators. Some of the most used arguments that were negative to the prohibition were related to the possible economic struggles that could affect the Swedish society. The arguments used by operators against the prohibition were based on Christian values and the greater good of society.