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Momentary Contentment: A Modern Version of an Old Survival Culture

Sandén, Ulrika LU ; Harrysson, Lars LU and Thulesius, Hans LU orcid (2015) In The Grounded Theory Review 14(2). p.74-85
Abstract
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... (More)
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. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Contentment, grounded theory, time, safety, happiness, altruism, hope
in
The Grounded Theory Review
volume
14
issue
2
pages
74 - 85
publisher
Sociology Press
ISSN
1556-1542
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
4e3dd8a7-dfd9-4187-91b0-6559368ae370 (old id 8497389)
alternative location
http://groundedtheoryreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/08momentary1215Vol14-2.pdf
date added to LUP
2016-04-01 09:48:25
date last changed
2018-11-21 19:36:47
@article{4e3dd8a7-dfd9-4187-91b0-6559368ae370,
  abstract     = {{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       = {{Sandén, Ulrika and Harrysson, Lars and Thulesius, Hans}},
  issn         = {{1556-1542}},
  keywords     = {{Contentment; grounded theory; time; safety; happiness; altruism; hope}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{2}},
  pages        = {{74--85}},
  publisher    = {{Sociology Press}},
  series       = {{The Grounded Theory Review}},
  title        = {{Momentary Contentment: A Modern Version of an Old Survival Culture}},
  url          = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/1271180/8497622.pdf}},
  volume       = {{14}},
  year         = {{2015}},
}