Exploring community resilience in a Norwegian village: a qualitative case study

The coastal village of Senja in the Arctic region of northern Norway has suffered a number of challenges, mostly related to climate change and a fall in population numbers. A qualitative case study examined the community response to change and the role of community resilience in the Arctic context. Drawing on three resilience frameworks that all focused on social sustainability, community resilience was defined as “the ability of a community to cope and adjust to stresses caused by social, political, and environmental change and to engage community resources to overcome adversity and take advantage of opportunities in response to change”.  

A mixed methods approach involved collecting qualitative data from interviews, participant observation, document analysis and media searches. Six domains of community resilience were identified in the village.  

Community resources. Senja was seen to be “resourceful” (human and natural resources) but the population decrease was a threat to increasing community resilience.  

Community networks. The residents of the village were strongly engaged in activities to maintain and improve community networks.  

Institutions and funding. “Dugnad” is the contribution of community volunteering to the maintenance of services and institutions. Active contribution from local government and the community was seen as critical. 

People–place connection. Many initiatives to develop the village focused on instilling well-being and a sense of place/belonging.  

Active agents (people who make things happen). Both informal/formal leaders and facilitators of the process were identified in the community.  

Learning. Continued learning was regarded as vital in responding to future unpredictable challenges. 

This case study shows that qualitative methods can provide an in-depth understanding of how social resources can strengthen community resilience and well-being in a small rural community experiencing change. 

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