Government appoints inquiry on parallel social structures
Published
The Government has decided to appoint an inquiry to deepen knowledge about parallel social structures that among other things consist of clans and family-based networks. The inquiry will define the impacts of such groups in terms of integration and exclusion in Sweden. The aim is to develop in-depth knowledge that will improve efforts to counteract parallel social structures and contribute to a safer, and a more cohesive Sweden.
The inquiry will survey and analyse how and where parallel social structures emerge. It will also analyse the consequences for individuals’ living conditions, integration and social exclusion and its impacts on our democratic society as a whole. The scope of the inquiry includes compiling experiences of counteracting parallel social structures in Sweden and internationally, and to submit proposals on how efforts to effectively counteract these structures can be improved. The inquiry will shed light on the life opportunities of children and young people in particular.
“Parallel social structures consisting of clans and family-based networks undermine the rule of law, threaten democracy and hamper integration. It is unacceptable that people in Sweden live under social control, are subjected to honour-based violence and oppression or are prevented from fully participating in society. With this inquiry, we are taking an important step towards addressing these problems,” says Minister for Education and Integration Simona Mohamsson.
“In Sweden, everyone must have equal rights, opportunities and obligations regardless of clan, class or gender. We can never accept clan-based parallel societies that limit the freedom of the individual and, ultimately, threaten our democratic rule of law,” says Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer.
“Shadow societies erode Sweden’s community and leave a void for crime and honour-based violence and oppression and damage our democracy. The fundamental values that have made Sweden strong must be reflected throughout our country. Surveying parallel social structures is an important step in the Government’s work to improve integration,” says Camilla Brodin, group leader for the Christian Democrats in the Riksdag.
The inquiry will:
- survey the prevalence and analyse the development of parallel social structures in Sweden;
- compile knowledge about the causes of parallel social structures and how they can be prevented and counteracted;
- analyse the consequences for individuals’ safety, freedom and living conditions, as well as trust and cohesion in society and, by extension, the democratic system;
- analyse how parallel social structures affect integration and exclusion in society; and
- highlight shortcomings in existing regulations and submit proposals to address them.
The inquiry will work based on research and official reports and engage in dialogue with relevant actors.
The Inquiry Chair will be Director-General of the Swedish Unemployment Insurance Inspectorate Mathias Wahlsten. The inquiry will present its report by 20 August 2026.
The background to the inquiry is the Government’s goal to improve integration and reduce exclusion, as well as to counteract anti-democratic forces. The inquiry is part of the Government’s broader work for a safe, open and cohesive Sweden.
