Department of Sociology and Political Science

Migrants not particularly prone to depression

Migrants are doing well generally, but experience higher rates of depressive symptoms than the population at large in some European countries. One country stands out as an exception.

When rape becomes a weapon in war

Sexual violence in war is attracting more attention thanks to the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. But nothing suggests that the abuse is lessening.

Big data doesn’t prevent terror

We leave behind digital traces all the time. This information reveals a lot about people. But it won’t help us catch terrorists, one researcher says.

Prison garb? No thanks!

Inmates are issued a starter pack of prison clothes upon arrival. Many would rather use their own clothes as a way to reclaim some power for themselves.

Does weather influence older adults’ physical activity?

The summer of 2018 has been one of the hottest and driest in recent times in large parts of Norway and Europe. How does weather affect the exercise habits of the elderly? A study of 1200 older adults’ activity level linked to weather data shows that warmer, dry weather is the most inviting.

What is community, really?

A community can be anything from people gathered at the same type of music festival to commuters who recognize each other on the train, a quick meeting with colleagues in the cafeteria or an online chat group.

Who in Europe drinks the most?

For the first time, researchers have found a way to compare how much alcohol Europeans drink. And Britain, Ireland and Portugal top off the list.

Support, comfort from online weigh-loss group

Online weight loss forums protect participants from public fat shaming, and offer them a place to speak out without being confronted by normal-weight individuals, medical science or the authorities.

Why are populists successful?

Populist parties have long had the wind in their sails. And yet researchers know very little about how populists communicate or how populist messages influence voters.

Democracy doesn’t happen automatically

If the powerful players in international politics had known their history, they would have known that attempts to create democracies abroad usually end in disaster.

Jellyfish invaders: Trondheim Fjord in transition

Jarle Mork has spent the last 40 years of his career studying Trondheim Fjord and its finned inhabitants. Warmer waters and the arrival of new creatures are bad news for the fjord’s cod population, he says. But other fishing practices are problematic, too.

Turning political pledges into action on climate change

Beginning on 30 November, the nations of the world will gather in Paris to discuss a new global agreement on climate change. But what will it take to transform international political will into real action to curb global warming?

Here’s how Norway can be a leader in global health

The health of people all over the world is dependent on a slew of different variables, so interdisciplinary work is vital to professionals in global health. Twenty-two European countries, the USA and South Africa are all taking part in a comprehensive Norwegian global health survey.