The group researches the interconnections between how texts and other cultural forms (film, digital media) are constructed, collected, disseminated and received. We ask how texts and other cultural expressions change within material, historical, social and cultural contexts, and how they are met and applied in different life worlds and contribute to individual and social development and understanding.
Head of research group
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More about the research group
The research group is particularly interested in three areas:
- Everyday life and cultural practices. Within this area we investigate the meanings and functions of texts and other cultural expressions for individuals and groups. Conducted studies include the archive's role in creating individual and social identities, how social media in the aftermath of 22 of July serves as writing practices, how reading and studying impact inmates in Norwegian prisons, and the library's importance as a cultural resource for children.
- Practices of archival, literary and cultural dissemination. Within this area we ask how norms, values and understandings of literature and quality, art and aesthetics vary historically and according to social and cultural affiliation. For instance, we are researching how archives and documents are created and modified through inclusion and exclusion, descriptions and dissemination; how literary quality is understood among librarians, publishing houses or high school students; how storytelling in the library empowers young people; and how we can address theoretical questions concerning important subjects such as the reading experience or the concepts of fascination or cultural dissemination.
- Institutional perspectives. Within this area we conduct historical, empirical and theoretical studies of the archive and the archivist, the library and the librarian etc. in relation to overarching perspectives such as democracy and participation. Key questions concern the relationship between literature and politics, reading habits, distribution of cultural resources, shifting power relations and changes as a result of new media and forms of distribution.
