Young Sami men on the move: actors, activities, and aims for the future

Abstract

In this study, we have been interviewing eight young Sámi men about experience with rural-urban and majority-minority transition. The analyses revealed that the transition affected three dimensions in their life: actors, activities, and aims for the futures. The important actors transformed from relatives to friends. Desirable duties transformed to leisure and sports activities. The transformation of aims for the future was guided by birget (to manage or to handle): a Sámi concept meaning to cope in your life, both independently and together with others. We suggest that social workers can use the three A’s (actors, activities, and aims for the future) in an intervention to enhance the well-being for indigenous young men on the move.