fellesskapet

Fellesskapet is a Norwegian term that refers to the idea of a community or shared life within a group, society, or nation. It encompasses notions of mutual obligation, social cohesion, and the common good, often in contrast to individualism or isolation. The word derives from felles meaning shared or common and the suffix -skap, which forms abstract nouns denoting a state or quality of being.

In Norwegian discourse, Fellesskapet is used across political, social, and cultural contexts. It appears in debates about welfare and social policy, where it is invoked to justify universal services, solidarity across generations, and collective responsibility for welfare. It also figures in discussions of national identity, immigration, and civic participation, where a sense of belonging and mutual support is emphasized. Beyond secular politics, the term is used in religious communities to describe the bonds among members and the care for one another.

Critics argue that an emphasis on Fellesskapet can obscure individual rights or lead to conformity pressure, exclusion of outsiders, or the suppression of dissent in the name of social harmony. Proponents counter that a strong felt community can underpin democratic legitimacy and social safety nets, while also fostering cooperation and mutual aid.

See also: Fellesskap, solidarity, social capital, communitarianism.