This blog post explores how Sweden’s municipal policymaking often falls short of its stated commitments to equality and evidence-based governance—particularly when it comes to addressing intersecting identities and structural inequalities. Current impact assessments tend to be superficial and lack both an intersectional lens and a preventive approach.

Through the lived experience of a politically active single mother and researcher, the post imagines a future where municipalities are supported by independent, interdisciplinary teams focused on improving the quality and depth of impact...

Background
Child poverty is linked to poorer physical and mental health, negative educational outcomes, and long-term social and psychological issues, all of which increase service demand and costs. Traditionally, prevention and early intervention efforts have focused on improving inter-parental relationships, parenting skills, or child development (e.g., early childhood education, family therapy, youth mentoring). These programs often target low-income families but rarely address poverty directly. While such interventions have shown some success, their effects are typically small, short-term...

Background

Drug use trends among youth change rapidly, making it difficult for experts to respond quickly. Delays in addressing these issues can lead to preventable health problems and deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for better strategies to respond quickly and fairly using existing treatments and prevention efforts. Evidence-based interventions (EBIs), like the Michigan Model for Health™ (MMH), are already effective in tackling emerging drug problems. However, we need to improve how these strategies are implemented to better respond to new drug trends. This research aims...