Cultural Criminology in the Nordics

Shootings, bombings, drugs, crime, and the deeply disturbing rise of so-called “child soldiers” have become defining features of contemporary gang life in the Nordics. Once facing fewer challenges than most of its European neighbors, Sweden has, in just a few years, transformed into an international hotspot for gang violence and criminality. Across the Öresund Strait, Denmark is witnessing similar trends, though on a less dramatic scale.

The pressing question, of course, is: why? Why have contemporary gangs expanded and evolved in this way? And what can society do to prevent and deter their continued growth?

These and other critical questions lie at the heart of our GANG_REC research project—a five-year initiative (2026–2030) in which a team of Swedish and Danish expert ethnographers will examine how criminal gangs attract new recruits, also including wider discussion about the digitalization of gang culture, developments in gender dynamics, and radical shifts in the organization and business models of today’s gangs.

In simpler terms, the project will involve extensive day-to-day observations and conversations with individuals involved in or connected to gangs, as well as with a broad range of relevant stakeholders.While the project is set to conclude in 2030, researchers will continuously publish and share findings and insights along the way.

If you’d like to learn more about the project or believe you can contribute to our research, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you.