Feltniljø

Feltniljø is a term in Norwegian research describing the field environment where data collection occurs. It encompasses the physical setting, the people and organizations involved, and the cultural context. Used across disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, human geography, and education research, feltniljø emphasizes that knowledge is produced through immersion and interaction within a specific site, rather than in a laboratory or office.

The feltniljø comprises physical geography and infrastructure, social actors (participants, authorities, institutions), and cultural elements (language, norms, values). Temporal dimensions such as seasonality, daily routines, and project timelines also shape fieldwork. The interaction of these elements creates a unique, situated context for each study.

Fieldwork involves gaining access, building relationships, and negotiating with gatekeepers. Data collection typically includes participant observation, informal conversations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, with detailed field notes and reflexive journaling to capture context, bias, and the researcher’s impact on the setting.

Ethical considerations are central: informed consent, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, safety, and minimizing harm. Language differences and translation can influence interpretation. Researchers should consider potential impacts on communities and strive for reciprocity, appropriate approvals, and data stewardship in line with local norms and regulations.

Recognizing the feltniljø ensures that findings are understood as situated knowledge. Contextual description helps with interpretation, transferability, and transparency, while also acknowledging the field’s dynamic and changing nature over the course of the study.