Momentary Contentment: A Modern Version of an Old Survival Culture

Summary, in English

This is a classic grounded theory based in longitudinal data from everyday life in an environment in Northern Norway characterized by long distances, a harsh climate and people living close to nature and each other. The place has a history of poverty and isolation. Yet, old survival strategies prevail despite modernisation. The theory reveals a culture of momentary contentment with three dimensions: Doing safety, destiny readiness and middle consciousness. This momentary contentment culture explains how the participants resolve their main concern of enjoying life. Doing safety means that common and individual acts create stability. Destiny readiness illuminates a discourse of acceptance, a way of thinking that, with the aid of linguistic strategies, prepares for life changing events. Middle consciousness shows a way of handling difficulties by dividing and separating different phenomena.

• Author: Ulrika Sandén; Lars Harrysson; Hans Thulesius
• Department/s: Innovation Engineering; Packaging Logistics; School of Social Work; Family Medicine and Community Medicine
• Publishing year: 2015
• Language: English
• Pages: 74-85
• Publication/Series: The Grounded Theory Review
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 2
• Full text: - 211 kB; Download statistics
• Links: http://groundedtheoryreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/08momentary1215Vol14-2.pdf
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Sociology Press
• Topic: Social Work
• Keywords: Contentment; grounded theory; time; safety; happiness; altruism; hope
• Status: Published
• Research group: Family Medicine and Community Medicine
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1556-1542