Dugnad is a Norwegian term for voluntary work done together with other people. In a tradition similar to that of barn raising, community members meet to help an individual, or club members meet to build a clubhouse or get necessary jobs done for a family in need.[1] Participation in a dugnad is often followed by a common meal, served by the host. [2]
Dugnad activity in Norway has been reduced in recent years as a result of structural individualism. Some social groups attend to the tradition. In urban areas, the dugnad is most commonly identified with outdoor spring cleaning and gardening in housing co-operatives. Dugnader occur more widely in remote and rural areas. Neighbours sometimes participate during house or garage building, and organizations may arrange annual dugnader. The dugnad is similar to the talkoot in Finland.