Stein Rokkan – The Scholar Who Changed Social Science

Next occasion
We are delighted to invite you to the first lecture of autumn 2026! The event will take place at the UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Narvik, and is part of the ongoing collaboration between Senioruniversitetet Narvik and UiT.

This time, we will explore the life and ideas of one of Norway’s most influential social scientists – Stein Rokkan, who grew up in Narvik. His research and theories have had a lasting impact on social science and have shaped the way we understand Norwegian society, political divisions and regional development.
Booking
  • Culture and history
Group size
  • Group Activity
Duration
  • 1-2 hours

Description

The lecture will take a closer look at Rokkan’s ideas about the relationship between centre and periphery, and how geographical, social and cultural differences can influence politics, power, identity and the development of society.

Rokkan’s ideas remain highly relevant today. This raises an intriguing question: What would Stein Rokkan say about Norway today? Would he recognise the same divisions and conflicts that shaped Norwegian society during his lifetime, or would he identify new ones? Perhaps he would point to the continued tensions between urban and rural areas, and to the ongoing questions surrounding power, resources, centralisation and belonging.

The lecture will be given by Jonas Stein, Vice-Rector for Outreach at UiT and Associate Professor of Political Science. He holds a PhD focusing on political and demographic development in Northern Norway, and his academic work draws on Stein Rokkan and Ottar Brox as important theoretical starting points.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about a world-renowned scholar with strong roots in Narvik, while exploring how his ideas can help us understand Norway – both past and present.

Welcome to an engaging lecture about Stein Rokkan, social science and Norwegian society – then and now!