fellesskap

Fellesskap is a Norwegian noun that denotes the state or feeling of being part of a group with shared interests, values, or living conditions. It encompasses social bonds, mutual support, belonging, and a sense of togetherness that extends beyond mere proximity.

Etymology: The term combines felles/fell- meaning shared or common, with skap, a suffix forming a state or condition. The compound expresses that people are linked by common life and obligations.

In sociology and political discourse, fellesskap refers to the social cohesion that binds members of a community, whether in neighborhoods, religious congregations, clubs, or online networks. It is used to describe both informal social ties and formal structures that foster participation, reciprocity, and collective welfare. The concept is also central to debates about welfare, civic duty, and inclusive policy design in modern welfare states.

Fellesskap can be observed at different scales, from local communities to national identities. Strengths include mutual aid, trust, social capital, and resilience in crises. Limitations can arise when expectations of belonging exclude outsiders or when pressure to conform inhibits individual rights and diversity.

Related terms include solidarity, community, and social cohesion; in policy debates it is often contrasted with individualism or market-oriented approaches.