This research project aims to evaluate the initiative Stikkontakten Gamingsenter.
Stikkontakten Gamingsenter's own description is "a modern leisure activity that differs from other youth clubs because it is a dedicated digital culture space for young people." The initiative targets youth in Østensjø district and has the primary goal of preventing young people in the district from dropping out of school, employment, or training.
The research project will use participant observation and qualitative interviews with young people who use the facility during their spear time, as well as staff in the district who utilize the gaming center in their work with young people.
Aswell as contributing with knowledge to Stikkontaktens future work, the knowledge generated through this project could contribute, on a broader level with insights regarding young people's experiences with a digital everyday life—an area emphasized in the Norwegian government’s gaming strategy "Rett på nett".
Research questions
Main research question:
To what extent does Stikkontakten help prevent young people in the Østensjø district from dropping out of school, employment, or training?
Sub-questions:
- How effectively does Stikkontakten reach those who are at risk of dropping out?
- In what ways can gaming be used as a tool to promote inclusion and participation?
Methodology:
- Participant Observation: To gain insights into how young people use the facility and how the gaming space operates in practice.
- Qualitative Interviews: Conducted with both the youth who use the center and the district staff who see gaming as a tool in their work with young people.
