Hans Abraham Hauge

Hans Abraham Hauge is Head of Department at the Department of Health, Social and Welfare Sciences, University of Southeast Norway (USN), within the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. He is actively engaged in interdisciplinary research related to disability, welfare policy, youth transitions, and social inclusion.

His research interests center on the lived experiences of marginalized groups, particularly young people with intellectual disabilities and newly arrived refugee youth. He investigates themes such as family relationships, educational aspirations, identity formation, and interactions with welfare systems. His work emphasizes user perspectives, social justice, and policy implications.

The recent publications highlight a strong focus on qualitative and sociological research methods, with recurring themes in disability studies, social entrepreneurship, and inclusive welfare models. His work spans historical analysis, contemporary policy critique, and educational dynamics, reflecting a broad yet coherent research agenda.

• Recognition and independence: Young people with intellectual disabilities and their experiences with welfare services in the transition to adulthood. (2025)
• Happy and useful members of society.” Memory, activism, and collective identity among older people with disabilities in postwar Norway. (2025)
• Biding time with close strangers: teachers' sensemaking of newly arrived refugee youths' educational aspirations in the Norwegian context. (2024)
• Silent concerns. About upbringing and family relationships for young people with intellectual disabilities. (2023)
• Exploring how institutional trajectories and political controversies influence policymaking for SE: the case of Norway. (2023)

Hauge has contributed to several collaborative research projects focusing on child welfare, social entrepreneurship, work inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, and immigrant workforce participation. While no formal list of advisees or awards is provided, his role as a department head and frequent co-author indicates mentorship and leadership in academic teams.

He is involved in active and completed research initiatives such as SESAM – Center for Social Entrepreneurship and Co-Creative Social Innovation, and Rethinking work inclusion for people with intellectual disability, suggesting ongoing engagement with interdisciplinary and applied social science research.