Verklighetsunderlag

Verklighetsunderlag is a Swedish term used to describe the factual basis or evidential foundation for a claim, decision, or statement. It combines reality (verklighet) with a ground or basis (underlag) and is commonly used in public discourse to signal that conclusions are grounded in verifiable information.

The term is not a formal technical label with a single fixed definition. It appears across journalism, public administration, and policymaking to refer to the material that supports an assertion, such as statistics, reports, methodological descriptions, expert assessments, measurements, and case studies. A strong verklighetsunderlag typically includes transparent sources, clear methods, and an articulation of any uncertainties or limitations.

In practice, verklighetsunderlag encompasses data quality, relevance, and completeness. It implies that statements should be traceable to verifiable sources and that readers or decision-makers can assess the reliability of the underlying information. It is distinct from absolute proof, as it represents the aggregate of available information used to argue a position, which may still be contested or subject to re-evaluation with new data.

The concept is often invoked critically when claims are perceived to lack a solid verklighetsunderlag, or when the underlying data are biased, incomplete, or inadequately described. In Swedish public discourse, the term aligns with broader expectations of accountability, källkritik (source criticism), and evidence-based policymaking, underscoring the importance of a transparent and credible factual basis for decisions and arguments.