Changing roles in Sami families--a case illustration

During the last 20-30 years the Sami society has undergone an accelerating process of change. A planned national policy to integrate the Samis into the Norwegian nation state making them "equal members of our nation state", has resulted in dramatic changes in the standard of living, the educational patterns, and the structure of settlement, occupation and industry. This process of change has dramatically changed the life situation of the Sami people. This paper will examine how these external macroprocesses have changed the role and responsibilities of the family and its members. Special consideration will be given to gender and generational aspects.