Arild Blekesaune

Arild Blekesaune is a Professor of Social Science Research Methods at the Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He holds a PhD in Sociology from NTNU (1996), focusing on structural changes in Norwegian farm households. His work emphasizes quantitative methodologies, including statistical analysis of survey and register data.

Research Interests: Blekesaune specializes in rural sociology, welfare studies, and agrarian systems. His research addresses issues like educational inequality between rural/urban populations, human-wildlife conflict impacts on farmers, and public administration dynamics. He combines empirical analysis with sociological theory to explore topics such as local governance, migration patterns, and demographic shifts.

Publications Trends: His work spans over three decades, focusing on rural-urban disparities, environmental sociology, and political behavior. Recent studies highlight contemporary challenges like wolves' psychological effects on farmers and the role of tendering mechanisms in local governance. Earlier research explored organic farming trends and gender roles in family farms.

• Key Awards: None explicitly mentioned.
• Teaching: Leads courses SOS6516 (Research Design) and SOS1002 (Social Science Research Methods).
• Dissemination: Engages in media commentary and public lectures on rural sociology and political issues, including interviews with Aftenposten, Universitetsavisa, and others.

Grants & Labs: Collaborates on interdisciplinary projects (e.g., BIOSMART bioeconomy survey), though specific grants are not detailed. His work often involves cross-disciplinary teams focused on Norwegian sociopolitical contexts.