Intellectuals in the Public Sphere

In this volume, three Norwegian and three English scholars probe the issue of the role of intellectuals in the two countries following World War II. The intellectuals studied comprise many kinds: from academics in general (particularly sociologists) to journalists and politicians, amongst others. The book investigates the influence of intellectuals on politics and also between the two countries. Several tendencies in post-war societies have shaped the role of intellectuals: secularisation, professionalisation, internationalisation and the rise of populism, to name but a few. Although 'intellectual' is a fairly common term in both countries, it often tends to fall between two chairs as an analytic concept. Therefore, it should perhaps rather be viewed as a terminological meeting point where several interesting societal phenomena may be studied.