Second Homes in Eastern Norway : From Marginal Land to Commodity

Abstract

It is generally argued that commodification of rural areas leads to a change in the rural economy from being based on exploiting the physical environment to being mainly based on exploiting the aesthetical appeal of rural areas. In this articles however, it is revealed that commodification of rural areas in Norway is closely connected with exploitation of the physical environments including through the re-resourcing of land from marginal agriculture and abandoned industrial sites into second home developments. This re-resourcing has also been an economic driving force for related tourists housing and infrastructure developments. Politically, it has significantly influenced local power configurations. Simultaneously, external and local actors are commanded by stronger environmental regulations that govern the geography of re-resourcing. This article is based on studies of the municipalities of Ringebu and Kragero Norway, using analysis of planning documents and qualitative interviews.