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Culture
In some ways Norwegian culture is a little different from other advanced industrial countries. Norway was relatively late to urbanise and until the early 20th century it was still a country largely made up of farmers and fishermen. Now it is one of the wealthiest and most advanced economies in the world. This rapid development has left an interesting imprint on society in Norway.
17th of May celebrations at Bryggen, Bergen
There is a strong tradition of equality in Norway and Norwegians have a strong sense of fairness. This manifests itself in the high degree of gender, economic and social equality in Norway and in the high level of aid that Norway gives to developing nations. The welfare state and equality legislation is deeply entrenched in Norwegian law and society. Women can be found working as riggers on North Sea oil rigs, stockbrokers can be seen helping out at the weekend with their neighbourhood "dugnad" (voluntary communal work) and even King Olav V gave up his car to take the tram with everyone else during the oil crisis in 1975.
Norwegians have a down-to-earth sense of objectivity and seek consensus in the decision making process. In common with the rest of Scandinavia, Norwegians operate a much more democratic style of management and decision making than many other cultures. It is important for them that all points of view are heard and discussed, and that the management team decide together on a course of action. Once a decision is made, they stick by it.
Tradition is very important to Norwegians. They are proud of their local heritage, local dialects and their local "bunad" (national costume). They are also proud of their national heritage, and this can best be seen on the 17th of May (Norwegian Constitution Day) when the streets are filled with Norwegians in their local bunad celebrating their national day. The Easter pilgrimage to a hytte (or hut) in the mountains to go skiing, the thirst for the first "ute pils" (outside beer) in the spring, the summer "fellesferie" when everyone goes on holiday, and the opening of the lutefisk (a form of preserved cod) season in the run up to Christmas are all examples of traditions the Norwegians hold dear.
One of the most distinctive features of Norwegians is their relationship to nature and the outdoors. They have a closeness to nature that to many non-Norwegians can seem unusual. Taking part in outdoor activities is an important part of the Norwegian identity. Seventy percent of the population hike in the woods, fields and mountains, and joining them on one of these outings is the best way to really get to know Norwegians. The Sunday hike is a popular ritual, and the cities empty at Easter and during the summer holidays as Norwegians travel to their hytte in the mountains or by the sea.
"Ut på tur" on a Sunday
Norway exhibits some of the characteristics of a rural community at the edge of Europe, but at the same time it is one of the most advanced societies in the world with regard to state administration and the development of high technology. This may seem like a paradox, but it has lead to Norway being ranked by the United Nations as having the highest quality of living in the world. Come to NHH and find out why!
