dagligdagslivet

Dagligdagslivet, or daily life, refers to the routines, activities, and social practices that make up an ordinary day for individuals and households. It encompasses work or study, household chores, caregiving, meals, travel, rest, and leisure, as well as the social interactions that occur in homes, workplaces, schools, and public spaces. The concept emphasizes how people structure time and activities in routine ways rather than exceptional events.

Scope and variation: Dagligdagslivet varies widely by age, gender, socioeconomic status, family structure, culture, and geography. In many societies, traditional gender roles influence how labor is distributed at home, while policies on childcare, education, and parental leave shape daily patterns. Urban and rural settings offer different experiences in commuting, housing, and access to services, technology, and recreation.

Spaces and actors: Most daily life unfolds across a mix of home, workplace or school, and public or semi-public spaces. Family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and communities form the social context in which routines are formed and maintained.

Temporal patterns and technology: Common elements include morning routines, work or school hours, meals, evening activities, and sleep. The growing role of digital devices and online services affects communication, shopping, entertainment, and time management, often blending activities across private and public spheres.

Historical and methodological notes: The composition of dagligdagslivet has shifted with industrialization, urbanization, and later digitization. Researchers study daily life using time-use surveys, diaries, observations, and interviews to understand how people allocate time, resources, and meaning in everyday activities.