Some Notes on Norwegian Social Science

Abstract

This essay is the result of an invitation to submit a paper as a contribution to the current OECD project on "the development and utilization of the social sciences". OECD wanted material illuminating the Scandinavian situation. Scandinavian social science comprises a wide range of traditions, attitudes, and present trends. Giving a reasonably adequate and balanced treatment of this area in a relatively short time is an extremely difficult task. We therefore submit our contribution with a great deal of modesty. A heavily Norwegian-oriented material has of course distinct drawbacks when serving as evidence in an appraisal of Scandinavian social science.