Momentary Contentment: A Modern Version of an Old Survival Culture
Author
Summary, in English
This is a classic grounded theory based in longitudinal data from everyday life in an environment in Northern Norway characterized by long distances, a harsh climate and people living close to nature and each other. The place has a history of poverty and isolation. Yet, old survival strategies prevail despite modernisation. The theory reveals a culture of momentary contentment with three dimensions: Doing safety, destiny readiness and middle consciousness. This momentary contentment culture explains how the participants resolve their main concern of enjoying life. Doing safety means that common and individual acts create stability. Destiny readiness illuminates a discourse of acceptance, a way of thinking that, with the aid of linguistic strategies, prepares for life changing events. Middle consciousness shows a way of handling difficulties by dividing and separating different phenomena.
Department/s
- Innovation Engineering
- Packaging Logistics
- School of Social Work
- Family Medicine and Community Medicine
Publishing year
2015
Language
English
Pages
74-85
Publication/Series
The Grounded Theory Review
Volume
14
Issue
2
Full text
- Available as PDF - 211 kB
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Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Sociology Press
Topic
- Social Work
Keywords
- Contentment
- grounded theory
- time
- safety
- happiness
- altruism
- hope
Status
Published
Research group
- Family Medicine and Community Medicine
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1556-1542