The purpose of this thesis is to show how the construction of the household as a political entity was undertaken by the Swedish state during the first half of the 1900. The household, mainly perceived as an apolitical subject, is shown to be articulated in response to the problems and ideals as formulated by the ruling body at the time.

The thesis examines the period of 1911-1951, generally considered a time of great social upheaval in Sweden. The countries transition from a poor agrarian society to one of the richest countries in the world, drastically changed the perception of what a household was, and what it needed to be. By studying the material produced by Socialstyrelsen between 1913-1951 to examine the budget of different social classes, the thesis finds that the household has been formulated in different ways by the state. In the early years of the 20:th century, the household was articulated as” the frugal household” by the newly formed social authority. It was conceived as a unit for fulfilling the needs of its consistent members.

The thesis shows the articulation of this particular idea of the household was an answer to the social problems formulated by the state of the time. The construction of” the frugal household” did not only formulate the thrifty housekeeping ideals of the time, but also became a way to educate the lower classes, whose economic troubles where seen mostly as a lack of self-restraint and good book keeping.

As the perceived challenges to the state changed, so too did the use of the household. As the economy expanded ever further down the path of the consumption-driven welfare state, so too did the states idea of what a household was. This thesis shows how the latter use of the household concept is articulated as a unit for consumption. The frugal ideal has grown into a celebrated desire to improve one’s situation through consumption. Furthermore, both these constructions of the household serve to reproduce the core values of the state, as well as the core population of the state.