Educating the majority. How are the Norwegianization process and the Alta conflict presented in lower secondary school textbooks?

Abstract

This thesis is devoted to the issue of education about the Sami in Norway. The aim of the study is to analyze how important events from Sami history are presented in Norwegian Social Studies textbooks. The study is based on an analysis of textbooks currently used in lower secondary schools following the National Curriculum. Textbook analysis is the main research method for the thesis. The cases analyzed are the Norwegianization process of the Sami population and the Alta conflict. In comparison to research on other indigenous peoples, Sami history and culture seem well represented, though much of this research is published in Norwegian. This thesis is written in English and, consequently, may be used by not only a Norwegian-speaking audience. It uncovers the nature of information given at lower secondary school about two of the most important events in Sami history. It may be an important contribution to the development of future curricula plans, as well as testing the relevance of the textbooks offered for the pupils.