Norsk ungdomsforskning: Røtter og samtidsforståelser

Abstract

Throughout the 1950s, as psychology, sociology and criminology developed as academic disciplines in Norway, researchers within these disciplines began publishing scattered reports on youth. In the 1970s and ‘80s, The Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (the so-called Birmingham school) became a global inspiration for youth researchers. In Norway, the Centre’s studies on e.g. style and resistance in particular were replicated by qualitative youth researchers. However, the establishment of UNGforsk in 1991 fundamentally changed the youth research milieu in Norway. Over the course of a few years, a group of 15–20 researchers developed a secure base and continued to publish studies based on qualitative interviews and fieldwork. However, the defining features of the milieu were representative surveys of youth in numerous local communities and a large and national representative longitudinal study – Young in Norway. The participants in this study are now in their mid-40s and are still followed up in surveys and register data. UNGforsk gradually became part of the Norwegian Social Research (NOVA) institute at Oslo Metropolitan University. After 30 years, the youth research section still remains the key youth research institution in Norway. A rich and solid infrastructure of regular national surveys (UNGDATA), annual conferences and a Nordic youth research journal has developed through the institute. Its research is continually cited in mainstream Norwegian media, and the researchers regularly take part in expert groups developing Norwegian youth policy.

Investigating hope in oral health promotion for adolescents: an exploratory study based on observations at the dental clinic

“…By virtue of their profession, dental professionals are important collaborators in realizing hope and being hopeful toward patients' positive outlook and well-being. Considering that adolescence is a critical phase of transition between childhood and adulthood and, as such, represents a vulnerable period ( 37 , 38 ), it is essential to acknowledge the importance of intervening on multiple levels, including caregivers, schools, medical professionals, and policies ( 62 ).…”

“…However, hope entails more than passive optimism; it involves a sense of responsibility and the willingness to put in effort ( 36 ). The importance of promoting hope becomes most apparent when considering the consequences of despair, particularly in the vulnerable age group of children and youth ( 36 , 37 ). Adolescence, characterized by physical, psychological, social, and neurobiological shifts, signifies the vulnerable transition from childhood to adulthood in the second decade of life ( 38 ).…”

Adolescents' views on oral health care and promotion in Norway: everyday practices, recommendations, and future visions

“…Adolescence can be understood as a critical transition phase between childhood dependency on caregivers and the expectations of self-determination and responsibility in adulthood ( 8 ). This period is marked by significant socioemotional, cognitive, and physical changes, making adolescents particularly susceptible to various risk factors.…”

‘I need to belong and be part of something bigger’ – Spiritual and existential experiences and reflections among young people not in employment, education or training

“…Young people spend more time at home, they become adults later and families generally have much better finances and a higher standard of living. At the same time, many young people struggle with questions of identity and live under great pressure to perform (Ødegård and Pedersen, 2021).…”