ikkespesialister

Ikkespesialister is a Norwegian term formed by combining "ikke" (not) and "spesialister" (specialists), commonly translated as "non-specialists" or "laypeople" within a given domain. It is informal and not a formal category in most scholarly contexts.

The term is used in media, public discourse, and everyday language to refer to individuals who lack formal expertise or training in a specific area, contrasted with eksperter or spesialister. Its use can carry neutral, descriptive, or evaluative undertones depending on context and tone.

Its interpretation is context-dependent; it can refer to patients or the general public in medicine, or to non-lawyers in legal matters, for example. Discussions about science communication, risk, and policy often hinge on such distinctions, highlighting the gap between specialized knowledge and general understanding. It is important not to overgeneralize, as competence varies widely and lay knowledge can be relevant in many situations.

There is no universal definition or criteria for who counts as an ikkespesialisten; the label is situational and frequently debated. See also Eksperter, Fagkompetanse, Folkeopplysning, Kunnskapsspredning.