GENDER AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: A STUDY OF THE SWEDISH PUBLIC DEBATE ON THE NORD STREAM GAS PIPELINE FROM A GENDER PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article focuses on public participation in Sweden during the planning of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. The pipeline runs from Russia to Germany, and passes close to the Swedish island of Gotland. Results from a survey study conducted among 990 Swedish citizens, where 200 respondents are residents on the island of Gotland, reveal that there are differences between men and women in how risks with this project were perceived. More women than men expressed a desire for more participatory processes, even if they stated that they would not participate themselves. Women on Gotland expressed a more negative view of the gas pipeline and also perceived greater risks. Results indicate that public participation could have been better at addressing gender and regional specific needs.