KAPITTEL 1 Den nye selvhjelpsbevegelsen

Abstract

In order to provide a background for subsequent discussions, the chapter introduces the notion of the “new self-help movement” in Norway. The 1980s and 90s saw the establishment of self-help groups that differed from more traditional approaches, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups. The new self-help movement, we argue, cannot be understood independently of broader social developments. The chapter, therefore, discusses the self-help movement in light of recent welfare reforms and processes of individualization more generally. Developments in the new Norwegian self-help movement is part of a larger, international trend. Internationally, as well as in Norway, new self-help groups increasingly have a psychological and therapeutic orientation. Our aim, however, is not to contribute to the growing literature on causes and effects of the “therapeutic” or “self-help culture”. Rather, our interest lies in collective, group-based forms of self-help. We argue that the context for group-based self-help activities has changed, and that this, in turn, changes the content and form of contemporary self-help groups and movements. We then proceed to introduce the theoretical framework on which the various contributions draw, and, finally, to introduce the various contributions.