Experiences of Being a Young Female Sami Reindeer Herder : A Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Mental Health and Intersectionality

• Published in: Journal of Northern Studies
• Main Authors: Kaiser, Niclas, Näckter, Sofia, Karlsson, Maria, Salander Renberg, Ellinor
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: UmeÃ¥ universitet, Institutionen för psykologi 2015
• Subjects: Sami mental health; reinder herder; female; gender; expreriences; qualitative content analysis; social construction; social categories; intersectionality; Other Social Sciences; Annan samhällsvetenskap; Journal of Northern Studies; sami
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-119918; https://doi.org/10.36368/jns.v9i2.805

Objectives: To explore experiences of what it means to be a young, female Sami reindeer herder in Sweden, a group occupying a unique position in Swedish Sami life, with special focus on intersectionality and exposure to risk factors regarding mental (ill) health. Methods: A qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews with 13 strategically selected female reindeer herders (18–35 years old). Results: The participants described a reindeer-herding lifestyle that they find joyful and vital, but is also conflictual and harsh. Genderspecific issues were raised, for example that they unfortunately and unnecessarily have a place other than the heart of reindeer herding reserved for them. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the position of women reindeer herders is paradoxical. This position implies not only a pride in Sami culture but also a risk of developing mental health problems which should be addressed in relation to gender, the reindeer-herding lifestyle and ethnicity.