'Not every Norwegian feels guilty but many do'
Norwegians are increasingly feeling guilt over their wealth from oil, reflected in literature and media. Critics question the sustainability of oil reliance and its impact on global inequality and local prosperity.
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Norway, one of the world's wealthiest countries due to its significant oil reserves, is experiencing a growing sense of guilt among its citizens regarding their privileged lifestyles in contrast to global suffering. Elisabeth Oxfeldt, a professor at Oslo University, notes that this "guilt narrative" is increasingly reflected in contemporary Norwegian literature, films, and television. Many narratives explore the lives of the affluent who depend on low-paid migrant workers, highlighting the ethical implications of their wealth. The Norwegian government has faced criticism for its reliance on oil and gas, with environmental groups questioning the sustainability of its practices, particularly in the salmon farming industry, which has been linked to food insecurity in West Africa.
Despite Norway's substantial oil earnings, which surged after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some citizens feel that the wealth does not translate into personal prosperity due to high inflation and a weak currency. Critics argue that Norway's dependence on oil has led to an inflated public sector and a lack of labor in the private sector. While Norway is a leading donor of humanitarian aid, some economists suggest that the contributions are minimal compared to the profits gained from the ongoing conflict. The debate over wealth and guilt continues, with opinions divided on the prevalence of guilt among Norwegians, particularly outside environmental circles.
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7 comments* Feelings of guilt about the economic circumstances one is born into is often mentioned. What are the limits of feeling“privilege”? Family finances, race, and gender for sure. How about intelligence? I’m assuming the crowd on HM ales higher on IQ, do you feel guilty about this? How about physical beauty (which has substantial impact) and body integrity? How about being a native speaker of English rather than spending years to learn it?
* Assuming you are recognizant of your born privileges and are grateful, where is the limit of helping others so you don’t feel guilt? If Norway gives its budget surplus to suffering 3rd world countries should its citizens still feel guilt? Should such guilt be de factor, similar to original sin, something you’re born with and couldn’t (shouldn’t?) get rid of?
I don’t have good answers to most of the above but as with many other things the more you think about privilege the more complex it becomes.
Norway's economy ever since discovery of offshore oil is similar to Saudi Arabia, Dubai or Qatar's. The difference is just that while Saudi wealth is concentrated among roughly 20,000 members of the extended royal family, Norway's is distributed across their 5 million citizens.
It would be weird if they didn't feel guilty about it. The know fossil fuels are harming the world and they know their comfortable lives are thanks to their share of the profits from extracting and selling massive amounts of fossil fuels.
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