livsretninger

Livsretninger is a Norwegian term that describes the major directions or orientations a person can take in life. The concept encompasses beliefs, values, and commitments that give meaning to daily actions and long-term goals. It is not synonymous with a single belief system, but rather with the overall stance a person adopts toward questions of purpose, morality, and existence.

Within discussions of livsretninger, several dimensions are relevant: religious or spirituality-based orientations; secular or non-religious life stances such as humanism or naturalism; and ethical-moral or pragmatic orientations such as utilitarianism, virtue ethics, or existential practicality. It also includes personal life projects such as family, career, community involvement, and health.

While closely related to the term livssyn (worldview or life stance), livsretninger emphasizes the practical orientation and commitments shaping behavior rather than mere beliefs. In sociology, education, and policy, the concept is used to explore how diverse life directions coexist in society and how institutions accommodate pluralism while supporting well-being and social cohesion.

Because the term is broad and context-dependent, there is no single canonical taxonomy. Discussions about livsretninger typically reflect cultural, religious, and philosophical contexts, and may be used to analyze individual choice as well as collective values in a community.