Thomas Hylland Eriksen
A social anthropologist by training, Eriksen reads, writes and talks in many genres about the contemporary world, what it means to be human and how the world can be made a better place. You can read more here.
Contributions to nordics.info
2019.07.09 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
National symbols in the Nordic countries
National symbols share an ability to fuse diverse people in a shared feeling of identity. They are as diverse as flags to food, scenery to famous people, and they vary depending on whether they are viewed from inside or outside the Nordics or a specific country. A pressing question today is which national symbols are appropriate for globalised,…
2019.04.01 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
Outdoors in the Nordics
A comprehensive infrastructure caters to both domestic and foreign demand for outdoor activities in the Nordic countries, a demand resulting from swathes of both developed and undeveloped nature, and a widespread perception that being outdoors is character-building and healthy. In recent times, the younger and immigrant populations have shown that…
2019.04.01 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
The role of nature in the Nordic countries
With a low population density in all Nordic countries barring Denmark, nature has taken on a central feature of everyday life for many in the region. It has also played a role in the formation of national identity reflected in art and the ideal of being outdoors.
2019.03.27 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
Whaling by Nordic countries
Iceland, Norway and the Faroe Islands are among the few countries in the world that still permit limited whaling.
2019.03.26 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
Second homes in the Nordics
Second homes are used as holiday and weekend getaways in the Nordic countries by many people, not just the elite, probably due to widespread prosperity and an abundance of space.
2019.03.26 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Education
Peace studies in the Nordics
A number of peace research institutes emerged in the Nordics from around 1960. They were initially seen as politically radical and interdisciplinary with a focus on the applied rather than the academic side of peace studies. Since them, they have become more part of the establishment, advising governments and producing staff skilled in peace…
2019.03.25 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
Smoking in the Nordic countries
Even before Norway banned smoking in public arenas in 2004 and the other Nordic countries followed suit, the percentage of the population who smoke has been diminishing and continues to do so, although Swedish snuff (snus) can be chosen as an alternative.
2019.03.20 | Biography, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Education
Thor Heyerdahl (1916-2002)
The Norwegian scientist Thor Heyerdahl was internationally renowned for leading expeditions across vast oceans in rudimentary vessels.
2019.03.19 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
Mobile phones in the Nordic countries: historical overview
The Nordic mobile telephone network Nordisk MobilTelefoni (NMT) opened in 1981 quickly becoming the world’s largest until the early 2000s when it was superseded by the digital GSM network. Unlike the original Nordic telecommunications companies which were state-owned, mobile providers remain private. Since the turn of the century and certainly…
2019.03.19 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
Jantelov
Jantelov or the Law of Jante refers to a disdainful attitude to extraordinary achievements and is often mockingly used to exemplify unflattering aspects of the alleged Nordic trait of placing the value of equality above all else.