Trekteorier

Trekteorier is a term used in some Nordic academic contexts to describe a triad of theoretical perspectives applied to a topic. It is not a formal theory in itself, but a shorthand that teachers and researchers use to present three complementary frameworks side by side for analysis or teaching.

Etymologically, the word combines tre, meaning three, with teorier, meaning theories. The concept is common across disciplines, but there is no fixed definition or fixed set of theories associated with it. The three theories chosen are context-dependent and reflect the research question, disciplinary tradition, and the author’s aims.

In practice, a trekteori approach involves outlining each theory, showing what it contributes to understanding the phenomenon, and then discussing how the perspectives intersect or diverge. Examples vary by field; in social sciences a triad might include a structural, a behavioral, and a critical or interpretive lens. In political science or organizational studies, combinations might pair rational-choice or formal models with institutional or constructivist approaches. The value lies in enabling comparison, highlighting complementarities, and revealing blind spots that a single theory might miss.

Critics note that trekteorier can encourage superficial treatment if the theories are not adequately explored or properly integrated. The usefulness of the approach depends on clear articulation of each theory’s assumptions, scope, and limits, as well as a deliberate effort to synthesize insights rather than merely listing perspectives.

See also: triad, theoretical framework, pluralism.