Norwegian version

NOVA – Norwegian Social Research

NOVA is a research institute at OsloMet concentrating on studies in childhood, ageing, social policy and the welfare state. The institute is involved in many international research projects.

Research departments

Centre for Youth and Life Course Research (TRACE)

TRACE is a research centre at NOVA, OsloMet, dedicated to understanding how young people’s lives unfold from childhood, through youth and into adulthood, and how life chances are shaped by family, community, institutions and society.

Visit the TRACE web page

News

Seen from behind: Parents watching and filming children's choir singing
Segregated childhoods. Growing up where faith defines everything

Obedience to God, the church, and parents is put above everything else in Christian communities defined as Bible-literalist with sectarian traits. Childhood in such contexts can be characterised as segregated, involving fear of damnation, and harmful psychological control.

Young woman texting on phone at cafe
You have many friends – so why do you feel so lonely?

It could be that you only have "catch-up friendships". According to researcher Marja Aartsen at OsloMet, this type of friendship has become relatively common.

Events

Featured projects

Research networks at NOVA

Featured research

Portrait of Christer Hyggen
"We must take seriously the complex and meaningful lives children and young people live”

Christer Hyggen will lead OsloMet's thematic research initiative on the inclusion of more children and young people.

Youth competing in cross-country skiing
Have studied young skiers: “We got the sense that something has changed”

When sociologists researched young people’s participation in cross-country skiing, they saw no one waxing their own skis.

Young couple up close in red light
Many young people have sex for the first time to “get it over with”

For many adolescents, having “had sex” equals having had penetrative intercourse. Several say they had sex the first time mainly to avoid being the one who “hasn’t done it” — not because it felt right in the moment.

Father shows child something on a computer
Parents teach their children differently about money. Their lessons reproduce class divisions

New research shows that Norwegian middle- and upper-class parents give their children fundamentally different attitudes toward money. This may reinforce social inequality in Norway.

Janikke Solstad Vedeler at NOVA
Research for better services for families with disabled children

A new research project led by OsloMet receives NOK 12.4 million from the Research Council of Norway. Together with municipalities and organizations, the project will investigate the child coordinator scheme.

Young woman with face mask at bus stop
Local government was key to managing the pandemic

A major Nordic study shows that local authorities played a crucial role in handling COVID-19 – and why trust and flexibility are key to surviving future crises.

smoking boy
Young people use cannabis in different ways – one group raises concern

Researchers categorize young cannabis users into four groups. For most, it's about curiosity, belonging, or exploring new youth identities. But for a few, usage is linked to loneliness and mental health challenges.

Child raising hand in class
Many children with ADHD do not thrive at school

A new study from OsloMet shows that only around half of children with ADHD thrive at school. Well-being is lowest among those who are taught outside of class for large parts of the day.

Three older women i blue jackets sitting on bench laughing
Norwegians among the least lonely in Europe

The Nordic countries stand out with a low prevalence of loneliness. The welfare state, health and culture explain a lot. This is revealed in a new book about loneliness in Europe.

Four young employees at meeting
The welfare state has strong support among young people

Are young adults entitled individuals who won’t contribute to society? Not quite. According to new research, Generation Z are happy to pay their taxes.

Young boy with a chef costume
The work values you develop as a teenager can shape the rest of your life

What teenagers value in working life can strongly influence how their adult lives turn out – from education and income to family and housing.

Airport sign: International boarding gates
She thought they were going on holiday – then her husband confiscated her and the children’s passports

Violence in close relationships does not stop at national borders. Perpetrators may exploit the family’s ties to another country to threaten and pressure family members.

More featured research from OsloMet
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