The Politics of Health and Belonging: A Study of Bunadsgeriljaen

Abstract: This thesis is an exploration of the merging of two discourses – nationalism and feminism – through a case study of the Bunadsgerilja, a social movement demonstrating against the shutdowns of maternity wards throughout the districts of Norway. The nationalist framing of the Bunadsgerilja and the tensions this bring with it, is explored using Yuval-Davis’s (2011) analysis of ‘politics of belonging’ as well as framing theory, feminist theories on gendered nationalism and intersectionality. This project seeks to understand what framing strategies are used by the Bunadsgerilja as well as what tensions between nationalism and progressive (feminist) politics can be identified in these strategies. Lastly, this thesis seeks to understand the potential effects of these framing strategies from a critical feminist perspective. The Bunadsgerilja aligns their framing to that of Norwegian nationalism, the regional affiliations and the specific femininity of the bunad, the center-periphery debate and the midwife tradition. This strategic framing leads to a reproduction of boundaries of who can belong as well as reproduce a rural identity with old gender stereotypes and a specific femininity. However, what this thesis shows is a progressive appropriation of national symbolism to gain equal health services and women supporting women in the districts.