Randi Wærdahl

Randi Wærdahl is a Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) in the Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her office is located at Stensberggata 26, 0170 Oslo (Office X652), and she can be reached via email at randi.wardahl@oslomet.no or by phone at +47 990 20 381 (mobile) and +47 672 38 033 (office).

Dr. Wærdahl holds a Ph.D. in sociology and has established herself as a prominent researcher in childhood studies, socialization processes, family dynamics, and social inequalities. Her research particularly focuses on transitions and adaptations to new phases of life and changing social and economic realities, with strong methodological contributions to social research.

Her scholarly output reveals a consistent engagement with children's well-being across diverse contexts. A notable trend in her recent work (2020-2023) shows increasing attention to digital family practices, social media in child welfare services, and the intersection of technology with childhood experiences. She has also maintained a strong focus on Nordic welfare models, gender dynamics in work and family life, and methodological innovations in studying social phenomena, particularly through her contributions to "socially saturated data" approaches.

Dr. Wærdahl is actively involved in international academic discourse, having presented at venues such as the International Sociological Association World Congress and the Nordic Centre at Fudan University. Her research group "Living conditions, health, work and social inequality" serves as the primary platform for her collaborative work.

Her publication record is substantial, with 24 scientific publications, 7 research reports, and 46 dissemination pieces documented in the Cristin database. Her work spans from early foundational research on consumer culture and socialization (2003) to contemporary explorations of digital childhood and institutional critique through social media platforms like TikTok.