1. In search of Norwegian Values

2. Norwegian class system  Quest for equality is distinctly Norwegian.  Norway is a country of houses and cottages but not castles.  This absence aristocratic upper class can be explained against the geographical background.  No class system due to farmers not being able to have large farms and in turn only made a reasonable living  Hans Neilsen Hauge- 1771-1824 preached to the masses uniting both the rich and the poor.  Values fitted into American and French revolutions of the time; liberty, equality and fraternity.

3. Working associations  Marcus Thrane- 1817-1890- organised 414 working associations(300,000 members) at a time of urban dissatisfaction.  This awakening of the layman, farmers and workers had a lasting influence on Norwegian values

4. The Welfare State (post 1945)  Promoted equality in Norway  Loans for housing young family's  Scholarships for students  “to fight the 5 main evils of society: poverty, Illness, Unemployment, Ignorance & Bad housing conditions”  Some argue that this suppresses the quest for freedom, i.e to do things your own way and reach you full potential.

5. Outdoor Activity  Sunday walks are a “pleasure and a duty”  The destination is not important, focus on the walk itself.  Outdoor Recreation Act-1957 gives public access to any land not cultivated  80% go cross country skiing or hiking.  Easter- 13-20% of total pop. Go skiinig in the mountains.  70-80% wish they could spend more time doing outdoor activities.  1970-190,000 holiday homes.  2005-375,000 holiday homes.

6. Kindergartens  Lack urban culture.  However 75% of pop. live in cities.  First naturbarnehager(Outdoor Kindergarten) late 1980’s.  100-200 today.  Children;  Learn respect and enjoy nature.  Learn about plants and animals.  Learn to enjoy going on walks in the countryside.  Happy childhood is spent closely connected with the outdoors.  Usually parents with high income, high education and who like to spend time on outdoor activities.

7. Today  Not all Norwegians equality, moderation and nearness to nature as their values.  Increase of people who see themselves as mainly urban.