Histories of Knowledge in Postwar Scandinavia: Actors, Arenas, and Aspirations

The book "Histories of Knowledge in Postwar Scandinavia" explores how knowledge circulated in the different public arenas that shaped politics, economics, and cultural life in and across postwar Scandinavia, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. It focuses on the relationship between society and rational forms of knowledge and examines various forms of knowledge that provide insight into the making and functioning of postwar Scandinavian societies. The book makes a historiographical intervention in postwar Scandinavian historiography and offers a stimulating point of departure for those interested in the history of knowledge and the circulation of knowledge.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the aftermath of World War II, a profound transformation took place in the Scandinavian region, marked by the emergence of a vibrant and dynamic knowledge society. This transformative era, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, witnessed the proliferation of knowledge in various public arenas, shaping politics, economics, and cultural life in the region. To explore this intricate tapestry of knowledge circulation, Histories of Knowledge in Postwar Scandinavia employs a rich array of case studies. These case studies delve into the intricate networks and exchanges that shaped the dissemination of knowledge, shedding light on the ways in which it influenced the political, economic, and social landscapes of postwar Scandinavia.

The focus of this book lies in a crucial period when the term "knowledge society" was coined and rapidly gained traction. In Scandinavia, the relationship between society and rational forms of knowledge became central to the self-understanding and political aspirations of the era. Contributors to this volume leverage contemporary discussions on the circulation, arenas, forms, applications, and actors of knowledge to examine a diverse range of knowledge types. These include economic knowledge, environmental knowledge, humanistic knowledge, religious knowledge, political knowledge, and sexual knowledge. By examining these various forms of knowledge, the contributors offer insightful perspectives into the making and functioning of postwar Scandinavian societies. Moreover, their innovative studies contribute to the development of the broader history of knowledge, making this book a valuable resource for students and scholars of postwar Scandinavia.

One of the distinctive features of this book is its concentration on knowledge rather than the traditional focus on the welfare state, the Cold War, or the new social and political movements. By shifting the lens to knowledge, the book makes a historiographical intervention in postwar Scandinavian historiography, offering fresh perspectives and new methodologies for exploration. This approach ensures that the book remains relevant and engaging to a broader audience, beyond those who have traditionally studied these topics.

In conclusion, Histories of Knowledge in Postwar Scandinavia is a groundbreaking work that provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the knowledge society in postwar Scandinavia. Through a rich array of case studies and a focus on knowledge rather than traditional narratives, the book offers a valuable resource for students and scholars of postwar Scandinavia. By shedding light on the ways in which knowledge circulated in the public arenas of the era, it contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of postwar Scandinavian societies. This book will undoubtedly inspire further research and debate in the field of knowledge studies and history.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367503604