Brit Marie Hovland

Brit Hovland is a Ph.D. research fellow specializing in educational history at the Pedagogical Research Institute, University of Oslo (UiO). Her Ph.D. project delves into Norwegian textbooks, exploring the notions of 'us' and 'the others' and their representation. She examines the self-image, enemy image, and worldview portrayed in these textbooks from the interwar period to the present.

With a background as a researcher at Diaforsk, Brit has engaged in foundational and mission research, predominantly funded by entities such as the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Research Council of Norway, the NSF, Fritt Ord, and various other environments.

Her expertise lies in the national, nation-building, and national identity in a comparative perspective. Her past works include 'For Fedreland og Broderband,' which examines the school's and teachers' roles in the formative phase of Norwegian nation-building in the 19th century. Her comprehensive insights into the national domain are encapsulated in her book 'Slik blir nordmenn norske' (Pax, 2005), where she analyzes various aspects like the historical evolution of the 17th of May parade and royal addresses in the Nordic countries.

Brit has undertaken diverse projects such as 'Død i utlandet, sorg på avstand,' studying mourning rituals from afar for deaths that occur abroad, and 'Landsforviste kvinner,' focusing on giving a voice to a marginalized group post World War II, the 'Tyskerjentene,' exploring their experiences amidst Norwegian post-war exuberance.

Her specialized areas of interest include history, educational history, national identity, symbols, and rituals.

In terms of education, Brit pursued Hovedfag in History at UiO, grunn- og mellomfag in History at Volda University College, grunnfag in Nordic language and literature at Volda University College, and bachelor's in general teacher training at Volda University College.

Throughout her career, Brit has been associated with institutions like the University of Oslo as a Ph.D. research fellow, Diakonhjemmet University College as a researcher, and also worked as an operator at Hydro Aluminium.