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Trygve Gulbrandsen

Norwegian version of this page
Research Professor Emeritus
Research topics: elections, democracy
Mobile phone:
+47 906 56 882
Email:
trygve.gulbrandsen@samfunnsforskning.no

Conducting research on elites, businesses, power and trust

In the years 1978-1989 Trygve Gulbrandsen was employed in various positions in three different ministries. His latest position was in the Planning department, Ministry of Finance, as special advisor/senior advisor.

From 1989 he has been affiliated with Institute for Social research where he today holds a position as research professor. In the years 2005-2013, he was professor II at Department of Sociology and Human Geography, University of Oslo. His research interests include employee shareholding and professional partnerships, family businesses, civic organizations, trust, power and elites, and professions. 

Publications

  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2025). The Relationship Between Civilian and Military Leaders in Norway - Gap or Convergence? Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies. 8(1), p. 401–415. doi: https:/sjms.nu/articles/10.31374/sjms.292. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2025). Forskning om politiske eliter i Kina - et kritisk blikk. Internasjonal Politikk. 85(2), p. 345–366. doi: 10.23865/intpol.v83.6462. Full text in Research Archive
  • Haugen, Hans Morten & Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2024). Pro-immigration Norwegian Church élite: what explains the pro-immigration attitudes and are alleged welfare challenges acknowledged? Journal of Contemporary Religion. 39(3), p. 425–442. doi: 10.1080/13537903.2024.2406700. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2021). Eliter. In Grønmo, Sigmund; Nilsen, Ann & Christensen, Karen (Ed.), Ulikhet : Sosiologiske perspektiver og analyser. Fagbokforlaget. p. 102–128. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2020). Business elite as elected representatives in voluntary organizations in Norway. Politics and Governance. 8(3), p. 130–141. doi: 10.17645/pag.v8i3.2994. Full text in Research Archive
  • Engelstad, Fredrik; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens; Mangset, Marte & Teigen, Mari (2019). Elites and People: Challenges to Democracy. In Engelstad, Fredrik; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens; Mangset, Marte & Teigen, Mari (Ed.), Elites and people: Challenges to democracy. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. p. 1–13. doi: 10.1108/s0195-631020190000034001. Full text in Research Archive
  • Mangset, Marte; Engelstad, Fredrik; Teigen, Mari & Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2019). The Populist Elite Paradox: Using Elite Theory to Elucidate the Shapes and Stakes of Populist Elite Critiques. In Engelstad, Fredrik; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens; Mangset, Marte & Teigen, Mari (Ed.), Elites and people: Challenges to democracy. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. p. 203–222. doi: 10.1108/s0195-631020190000034010. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2018). Continued Elite Support for the Norwegian Version of the Nordic Model? Historical Social Research. 43(4), p. 113–140. doi: 10.12759/hsr.43.2018.4.113-140. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2018). Business Elite Confidence in Political Institutions: The Case of Norway. In Engelstad, Fredrik; Holst, Cathrine & Aakvaag, Gunnar C. (Ed.), Democratic State and Democratic Society. De Gruyter Open. p. 343–362. doi: 10.1515/9783110634082-017. Full text in Research Archive
  • Sivesind, Karl Henrik; Arnesen, Daniel; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens; Nordø, Åsta Dyrnes & Enjolras, Bernard (2018). An Organizational Landscape in Transformation. In Enjolras, Bernard & Strømsnes, Kristin (Ed.), Scandinavian Civil Society and Social Transformations : The Case of Norway. Springer. p. 67–116. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-77264-6_3. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2018). En rask eller lang og kronglete vei til topps? Næringslivslederes karriereforløp. Søkelys på arbeidslivet. 35(1-2), p. 96–110. doi: 10.18261/issn.1505-7989-2018-01-02-06. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2017). Rise and fall of elites: Professionals as movers? European Societies. 20(2), p. 159–182. doi: 10.1080/14616696.2017.1390144. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2017). Elite ambiguity towards internationalization? The case of Norway. Corvinus journal of sociology and social policy. 8(3S), p. 39–54. doi: 10.14267/cjssp.2017.3S.03. Full text in Research Archive
  • Storvik, Aagoth Elise Lossius & Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2016). Included, but still not equal? Gender segregation at quota regulated boards. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition. 12(2), p. 35–45. doi: 10.22495/cbv12i2art5. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2016). Элиты и профессионалы/Elites and professions. Mirovaya Ekonomika i Mezhdunarodnye Otnosheniya. 60(11), p. 71–83. doi: 10.20542/0131-2227-2016-60-11-71-83. Full text in Research Archive
  • Storvik, Aagoth Elise Lossius & Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2015). Selskapsdamer og selskapsløver. Kjønnssegregering i allmennaksjeselskapenes styrer? In Alsos, Gry Agnete; Bjørkhaug, Hilde; Bolsø, Agnes & Ljunggren, Elisabet (Ed.), Kjønn og næringsliv i Norge. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. p. 109–131. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2015). Eierskap i Norge. In Dale-Olsen, Harald (Eds.), Norsk arbeidsliv i turbulente tider. Gyldendal Akademisk. p. 137–152. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2014). Revisorene: Mellom næring og offentlig kontroll. In Slagstad, Rune & Messel, Jan (Ed.), Profesjonshistorier. Pax Forlag. p. 471–501. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2012). Elite integration – an empirical study. Historical Social Research. 37(1), p. 148–166. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2012). Næringslivselitens tillit til de politiske institusjonene. In Skirbekk, Helge & Grimen, Harald (Ed.), Tillit i Norge. Res Publica. p. 150–174. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2011). Why did they fail? Business Exits among Norwegian Shipping Companies since 1970. In Fischer, Lewis Ross & Lange, Even (Ed.), New directions in Norwegian maritime history. International Maritime Economic History Association. p. 199–234. doi: 10.2307/j.ctt21kk3cs.14. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2010). Familiedynastiers overlevelse innenfor rederinæringen. En sosiologs blikk på nyere norsk skipsfartshistorie. Årbok. Norsk Maritimt Museum. p. 31–71. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2010). Political versus Media Elites in Norway. In Best, Heinrich & Higley, John (Ed.), Democratic Elitism: New Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives (International Studies in Sociology and Social Anthropology). De Gruyter Brill. p. 117–128. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2009). Private Business Lobbying in a Corporatist Society - the Case of Norway. In Sattler, Friederike & Boyer, Christoph (Ed.), European Economic Elites. Duncker & Humblot. p. 375–403. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2009). Family Businesses and Trade Unions. Economic and Industrial Democracy: an international journal. 30(4), p. 592–613. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2009). Ut av familiens eie? eierskifte i familiebedrifter. Søkelys på arbeidslivet. 26(3), p. 299–315. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Lange, Even (2009). The Survival of Family Dynasties in Shipping. International Journal of Maritime History. XXI(1), p. 175–200. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2008). Elitene og livsløpet. In Daatland, S. O. (Eds.), Halve livet. Artikler om aldring og livsløp. Fagbokforlaget. p. 245–252. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2007). Bidrar samarbeid i arbeidslivet til ideologisk moderasjon? Søkelys på arbeidsmarkedet. 24, p. 195–206. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2007). Elite integration and institutional trust in Norway. Comparative Sociology. 6, p. 190–214. Full text in Research Archive
  • Hoffmann-Lange, Ursula & Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2007). Die Verankerung der Sozioökonomischen Konfliktlinie in den deutschen Eliten. In Bandelow, Nils & Bleek, Wilhelm (Ed.), Einzelinteressen und kollektives Handeln in Demokratien. Festschrift für Ulrich Widmaier. VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften. p. 187–209. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Hoffmann-Lange, Ursula (2007). Consensus or polarization? Business and Labour Elites in Germany and Norway. In Engelstad, Fredrik & Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (Ed.), Comparative Studies of Social and Political Elites. Elsevier. Full text in Research Archive
  • Barth, Erling; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Schøne, Pål (2005). "Family ownership and productivity. The role of owner-management". Journal of Corporate Finance. 11(1-2), p. 107–127. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2005). "Ideological integration and variation within the private business elite in Norway". European Sociological Review. 21(4), p. 329–344. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2005). "Norway: Trust among Elites in a corporatist democracy". Comparative Sociology. 4(1-2), p. 107–127. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Engelstad, Fredrik (2005). "Elite consensus on the Norwegian welfare state model". West European Politics. 28(4), p. 899–919. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2005). “Flexibility in Norwegian family-owned enterprises”. Family Business Review. XVIII, p. 57–76. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2005). Norway: Trust among elites in a corporatist democracy. In Dogan, Mattei (Eds.), Political Mistrust and the Discrediting of Politicians. De Gruyter Brill. p. 115–135. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2003). Elitene og livsløpet. Aldring og livsløp. 20(4), p. 2–8. Full text in Research Archive
  • Barth, Erling; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Schøne, Pål (2002). Familieeierskap og produktivitet. Søkelys på arbeidslivet. 2002(19). Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2001). Makt og tillit. Sosiologisk Tidsskrift. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2001). Oppslutning om den norske velferdsmodellen blant ledere i samvirkebedrifter. In Westerdahl, Stig; Friberg, Katarina & Johnstad, Tom (Ed.), Kooperation, socialt kapital och medborgerliga insatser. Fören. Kooperativa studier. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2001). Utbytte og lederlønn i eierstyrte bedrifter. Søkelys på arbeidslivet. 18. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2000). Medarbeidereie i kunnskapsbedrifter. In Wijkstrøm, Filip (Eds.), Om kooperation och social ekononomi. KF Bibliotek. p. 195–227. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2000). Om tillit. Sosiologi i dag. 30. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Torp, Hege (2000). Arbeidslivsforskning - fra industrisosiologi til arbeidsmarkedsstudier. In Engelstad, Fredrik (Eds.), Kunnskap og refleksjon : 50 års samfunnsforskning. Institutt for samfunnsforskning, Oslo. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2000). Kan familie- og personlig eide bedrifter leve opp til forventningene til det aktive eierskap. Rapportserie. Full text in Research Archive

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  • Engelstad, Fredrik; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens; Midtbøen, Arnfinn Haagensen & Teigen, Mari (2022). Eliter i endring : Makt, demokrati, representasjon. Universitetsforlaget. 360 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Engelstad, Fredrik; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens; Mangset, Marte & Teigen, Mari (2019). Elites and people: Challenges to democracy. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2019). Elites in an egalitarian society : Support for the Nordic model. Palgrave Macmillan. 207 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Engelstad, Fredrik & Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2007). Comparative Studies of Social and Political Elites. Elsevier. 286 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Engelstad, Fredrik; Ekberg, Espen; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Vatnaland, Jon (2003). Næringslivet mellom marked og politikk. Gyldendal Akademisk. 305 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens; Engelstad, Fredrik; Klausen, Trond Beldo; Skjeie, Hege; Teigen, Mari & Østerud, Øyvind (2002). Norske makteliter. Gyldendal Akademisk. 312 p. Full text in Research Archive

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  • Arnesen, Daniel; Sivesind, Karl Henrik & Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2016). Fra medlemsbaserte organisasjoner til koordinert frivillighet? Det norske organisasjonssamfunnet fra 1980 til 2013. Senter for forskning på sivilsamfunn og frivillig sektor. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2015). Frivillighet som treningsarena for arbeidslivet. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Sivesind, Karl Henrik (2013). Nasjonale organisasjoner : En første oversikt. Senter for forskning på sivilsamfunn og frivillig sektor. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Eriksen, Ingunn (2013). Kommunikasjonsrådgivere - en yrkesgruppe med innflytelse i samfunns- og arbeidsliv? Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2012). Tilpasninger til endringer i økonomiske rammevilkår. Senter for forskning på sivilsamfunn og frivillig sektor.. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Ødegård, Guro (2011). Frivillige organisasjoner i en ny tid : Utfordringer og endringsprosesser. Senter for forskning på sivilsamfunn og frivillig sektro. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Jensen, Ragnhild Steen (2009). Velferdstiltak i private bedrifter : En litteraturgjennomgang. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2009). I sentrum for kryssende forventninger : Norges Bedriftsidrettsforbund - strategiske utfordringer og veivalg. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2004). Temaer og problemstillinger for videre forskning om eierskap i Norge. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (1999). Internasjonal forskning om eierskap og kontroll i privat næringsliv. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (1999). Eiere og kolleger Medeierskap i norsk arbeidsliv. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (1997). Eiere og kolleger. Partnerskap i revisjonsfirmaer. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (1996). Organisasjon, ledelse og samarbeid i eierstyrte bedrifter. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (1995). Etterutdanning av ansatte i private bedrifter. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (1993). Norsk arbeidslivsforskning En gjennomgang av forskning om arbeidslivet 1950-90. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (1991). Medeierskap i kunnskapsbedrifter. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (1990). Aksjeeie blant ansatte. Institutt for samfunnsforskning. Full text in Research Archive

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  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2019). Hva er tillit? sosiologen.no. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2017). Fortsatt elite-støtte til den norske modellen? Stat & Styring. 27(4), p. 38–41. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2015). Elites and professions. Full text in Research Archive
  • Dale-Olsen, Harald; Bryson, Alex & Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2015). Does it all come tumbling down? Family ownership, workplace closure and the recession. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2012). Business elite trust in the political institutions. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2008). Næringslivets velferdspolitiske rolle. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2006). Elite integration and institutional trust in Norway. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2005). "Family businesses and trade unions". Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2005). "An Elitist Elite? Elite Perceptions of Challenges to Democracy in Norway". Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2005). Dividends and CEO-salary in owner-managed enterprises. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2004). Owners as political actors. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2003). Institutional trust among Norwegian elites. Full text in Research Archive
  • Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens (2002). Ansatte som medeiere i norsk arbeidsliv. Horisont : næringspolitisk skriftserie. 3(3), p. 114–123. Full text in Research Archive
  • Barth, Erling; Gulbrandsen, Trygve Jens & Schøne, Pål (2002). Family ownership and productivity The role of owner-management. Full text in Research Archive

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Published May 19, 2017 4:33 PM - Last modified June 12, 2026 9:36 AM