Metodar for kollektiv mobilisering i samfunnsarbeid i Noreg og Sverige

Abstract

This chapter is based on a qualitative study with an exploratory design and includes two data sources, a selection of method literature and an online questionnaire on use of methods among Norwegian and Swedish practitioners. The aim of this chapter is to discuss methods and challenges for collective mobilisation within community work by comparing methods used in Norway and Sweden. In total, 19 professionals and activists from three sectors of society (public, civic and private) participated in an online questionnaire. The participants had diverse occupational or academic backgrounds, engaged in social development and development work in multiple ways, from community development to public health work, youth work and voluntary work, in both urban and rural environments. The results of the study show a diversity of methods that can be used for collective mobilisation, including aims of dialogue, co-operation and strengthening co-creation. However, in Norway methods were used more systematically than in Sweden, where methods were more fragmented. The participating Swedes put focus on practical activities and participation, while the Norwegians emphasized their experiences of structured methods and adaptations to the selected purpose. The results also show that the practitioners did not put emphasis on collective mobilisation, but on participation, relationships, dialogue, co-operation, and co-creation. Our findings indicate that current societal challenges call for further development of methods for both social collectivisation and collective mobilisation, instead of individualisation.