- Trial lecture starts at: 10.00
- Public defence starts at 12.00
Title of trial lecture: In what ways have environmental historians previously understood their societal role, and what societal role can environmental history play today, and in a broader perspective in interaction with the environmental humanities? (translated to English)
Disputation chair: Vicedean Gunhild Kvåle
Assessment committee:
- First opponent: Assistant Professor Anne Brædder
- Second opponent: Professor Inger Birkeland
- Chair of assessment committee: Assistant Professor Trond Bjerkås
Supervisors in the doctoral work:
- Main supervisor: Professor May-Brith Ohman Nielsen, UiA
- Co-supervisor: Professor Ingun Grimstad Klepp, OsloMet
Summary of thesis
The Plastification of Everyday Life in Coastal Communities from 1950 to 1990: A Study of Ågerøya, Landøy-Udøy, and Loshavn-Eikvåg Across Three Half-Generations.
Abstract
The consumption of petrochemical plastics soared in the second half of the 20th century and has been mentioned in relation to the Great Acceleration of the proposed Anthropocene epoch. Plastics would become a symbol for both the best and the worst of modernity and would transform our practices and relationships with the materiality that surrounds us. The dissertation investigates how petrochemical plastics were integrated into the daily lives of the residents of three stagnating marine-maritime coastal communities in Southern Norway from 1950 until 1990. Thematic focuses include practices related to boating, using fishing and swimming gear, refurnishing, using packaging and waste management. These themes will help explore the significance and meaning making of the historical event of plastification for the people in the three communities of Ågerøya, Landøy-Udøy and Loshavn-Eikvåg.
Drawing on theories of co-creation and oral history, the dissertation positions the everyday history of plastics as a topic of interest for environmental history. Qualitative interviews, triangulated with local newspapers and video- and photographic sources, form the basis of this research. From an environmental history perspective, practices involving plastics will be of importance both for reconstructing a generational Toxic Timescape for the last seven decades, but also to create a fundament for asking questions about the significance of petrochemical plastics for co-creating the communities and the environmental challenges of today. Through the lens of practices, the dissertation reflects on the significance of the historical event of plastification from the perspective of those who lived through it even if they did not reflect on its impact on their community.
What to do as an online audience member
The disputation is open to the public. To follow the trial lecture and the public defence online, register on Zoom.
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Opponent ex auditorio:
Deadline for the public to pose questions is during the break between the two opponents. Questions ex auditorio can be submitted to disputation chair.
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