- Trial lecture starts at 10:15
- Public defence starts at 12:15
Title of trial lecture: «How and why does gender matter for political polarisation in contemporary democracies, in Norway and beyond?»
Read the thesis in NVA
Disputation chair: Vice-Dean Mikaela Vasstrøm
Assessment committee:
- Dr Sophia Hatzisavvidou, University of Bath, UK
- Dr Olve Krange, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
- Associate Professor Astrid Bredholt Stensrud, IGUS, UiA
Supervisors in the doctoral work:
- Associate Professor Vito Laterza, IGUS, UIA
- Professor Alexander Ruser, ISS, UiA
Summary of thesis
This doctoral dissertation investigates the underlying factors behind climate change skeptical claims in Southern Norway. Instead of viewing skepticism as purely a knowledge deficit, this thesis argues that it largely concerns identity and ideology. Climate change skepticism functions as a form of identity and status politics, with particular emphasis on themes such as justice, masculinity, and a strategic victim role. This was explored through ethnographic methods including interviews over longer periods of time.
Norway finds itself in a tension between the desire to lead on global climate issues and strong economic interests tied to oil. This creates a context where climate engagement is often perceived as a threat to identity and culture. Climate policy can be seen as an expression of power exertion and cultural pressure. Such experiences may manifest in feelings of exclusion, a strategic victim role, and perceptions that a “climate elite” controls societal development and a moral discourse.
The findings show that correcting misunderstandings with facts alone is not sufficient. Attitudes towards climate are not objective but closely linked to normative evaluations. The thesis explores these attitudes and their significance. To enable constructive dialogue on climate change and climate policy, it is necessary to understand what resistance represents and to categorize the underlying frustrations appropriately.
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.
We ask online audience members to join no earlier than 10 minutes in advance. After these times, you can leave and rejoin the meeting at any time.
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. Vice- Dean Mikaela Vasstrøm, please email mikaela.vasstrom@uia.no