On September 28, Dr. Olof Stjernstrom, a social scientist from Nord University, Norway, gave us a wonderful presentation on sustainable development in European Arctic. By his presentation I got to know about some important topics related to social science such as- human behavior, family relations, income, language etc. He told us about the wage effect related to the booming mining industries comparing income development from 2004 to 2014. He mentioned about two municipalities in Sweden, Kiruna and Gallivare which are the wealthiest areas in term of income and municipal tax income.

I really enjoyed his presentation. His study and findings were quite interesting. I enjoyed his talking about the human behavior, for example categorization and problematization. He told that it is our common behavior that we find everything very problematic, worrying or may be sometime very exciting. He also talked about we easily divide people in many categories such as their appearance, language and many more.

Though my research is not related to social science, I always have curiosity regarding human behavior, language, human psychology and social sustainability. Once I wished to study on human psychology but somehow it was not fulfilled. However, as Dr. Stjernstrom said, language is our major tool in social science, I also believe it is the most important. Because of not knowing particular language, sometimes it is not possible to participate in some major events or important programs. I want to learn new languages, new culture and to explore many other opportunities that I cannot get now because of not knowing different languages.

Dr. Stjernstrom was asked two questions about public workers (doctor, nurse) recruiting and the high priced house in the north. He answered the questions well and explained nicely everything. Actually, I didn’t have any specific question in my mind.