| dc.description.abstract | Housing policies have gradually developed in tune with the increasing level of prosperity seen in Norway after the Second World War. Originating from securing housing for everybody, housing policies have developed into strategies prioritizing living qualities and securing stable living environments. This thesis wishes to investigate Oslo’s inner-city policy for dimensional requirements, the “Apartment Norm” (Leilighetsnormen). It will do so by using Carol Bacchi’s “What’s the Problem Represented to be” (WPR) approach. The approach will enable critical policy analysis of the municipal evaluation documents reasoning for revising, defending, and maintaining an active Apartment Norm. This has given insight into why the norm exists, but also how governing categories are created within the norm. Analyzing these governing categories against the current housing situation in Oslo has revealed several silenced perspectives and issues with potential negative effects on certain people and groups. While the current Apartment Norm claims it promotes quality living and stable living environments, arguments can be made to suggest this is promoted in a way making the establishment into the housing market difficult, especially for first-time buyers and singles. The results of the analysis confirm this. | |
