About the status of anomalistics, immaterialism and spirituality in Sweden - I don't think it's notably different from any other Western(ised) country: it is definitely a "fringe" phenomenon, largely dismissed by institutions (including academia) yet still occasionally appearing within them. For example, Sweden has
its own Society of Psychical Research; it has
a parapsychology research group in the Lund University and
an educational course in the University of Gothenburg; it recently held
the 10th European Conference of the Society for Scientific Exploration.; it has spirtuality-related non-profit organisations like
Sigtuna Foundation.
As for the conversation mentioned - I can easily imagine it in a Russian university as well: materialism is as dominant in academic circles here as everywhere else! It is a common flaw of the modern Western(ised) culture. Yet, modern Western(ised) societies has so much benefits above others that one can couple with this flaw: one can still study paranormal and pursue spiritual here, and with notably less potential peril than in some "traditional" or "tribal" societies, where people may still practice very literal (and lethal) witch-hunts!
And, compared to Scandinavian one, Russian society is MUCH more restrictive and repressive - politically, socially, culturally, even spiritually. So, it is still a better society to live in - one of the very best in the world.