A Professor Dissects Class and Inequality in Norway
At the University of Oslo, sociologist Thomas Flemmen focuses on class and inequality. But beyond the lecture hall, he has emerged as an unlikely TikTok sensation, sharing insights on social hierarchy and class politics in Norway. In a recent episode of the podcast “Gilbrant/Suvatne,” Flemmen candidly asserts, “We in Norway absolutely live in a class-divided society.”
Flemmen outlines how the upper class wields considerable influence over political life—a reality often perpetuated by inherited status. “The opportunities children receive are largely tied to their parents’ income and background,” he explains.
The Illusion of the Community School
Many hold the belief that Norway’s educational system fosters equality, but Flemmen argues this is a myth. “The joint school in Groruddalen, where 90 percent of students speak minority languages, is not remotely akin to the joint school in Ris.” He points out that Oslo’s educational landscape is so segregated that one’s class can often be pinpointed by their postcode.
“The housing market has transformed Oslo into a class-divided city,” he says. “Those with fewer resources are increasingly pushed out of the city center. It’s stark: people working in kindergartens in St. Hanshaugen may find themselves living in Jessheim.”
The Fallacy of Equal Opportunity
Flemmen challenges the Norwegian narrative that promotes the idea of universal opportunity. “We can be completely categorical: that is not true,” he states. Studies indicate that a child’s success is significantly influenced by their familial background. Those with parents who possess higher education and cultural capital tend to excel academically, often outperforming peers by an entire grade.
He describes this phenomenon as a modern form of inheritance that extends far beyond finances. “It encompasses manners, tastes, and cultural references,” he explains.
A Hidden Working Class
Despite Norway’s reputation for equality, Flemmen believes that the working class remains palpable, albeit more invisible than ever. “There are those who depend on their salaries and have little control over their work lives,” he remarks, noting the plight of essential workers who lacked the flexibility of remote work during the pandemic.
The Confidence of the Privileged
A term Flemmen has popularized on social media is “the confidence of the big gardens.” This concept refers to individuals who speak with a self-assuredness born from environments that have instilled in them a belief that their voices deserve to be heard. “Those with this confidence dominate the conversation—not necessarily because they possess more knowledge, but because they’ve never learned to doubt themselves,” he explains.
Conversely, those lower in the social hierarchy frequently find themselves deferring to a humble “I don’t know” in discussions. “The lower you are in the hierarchy, the more often you hear that response. Many simply don’t feel entitled to express their opinions,” Flemmen observes.
The Labor Party’s Disconnect
Flemmen highlights a troubling trend: the Norwegian Labor Party has drifted from its roots. “In the 1960s, nearly all workers aligned with the Party. Now, its support among workers mirrors that of the broader population,” he notes. Many working-class individuals have drifted toward the Progress Party, while an increasing number do not vote at all. “The gap between voters and politicians is growing,” he warns. “Today’s leaders are often career politicians with advanced degrees, making it hard for ordinary people to identify with them—a significant democratic concern.”
Class and Cultural Tastes
One of Flemmen’s most popular TikTok clips delves into the concept of “harry,” a term denoting cultural snobbery. “Harry isn’t merely about taste; it’s about class. The things that are easiest to appreciate hold the least social value,” Flemmen elaborates. While the middle class cultivates their preferences, the upper class navigates this space with a nonchalant ease that becomes a status symbol in itself. “They can don a sweater with elbow holes yet still exude sophistication, as their effortless style is what signifies their class,” he says.
In closing, Flemmen delivers a stark reminder: “Norway is not classless. We simply stopped discussing it. Just because we ski together and share basic institutions doesn’t mean inequality has vanished. The disparities in wealth, culture, confidence, and power are, in fact, growing.”
For a deeper exploration of Flemmen’s insights on class in Norway, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode.