Nikolai Tveiten Fredheim

A master's student focusing on gender, equality and development economics.

Nikolai is pursuing a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration at NHH, specializing in Economics. He has previously completed a bachelor's degree at the same institution and studied psychology at the University of Bergen. One of Nikolai's primary interests is development economics and its role in promoting growth and sustainability.

He is writing his thesis with fellow student Hedda Ness. Their thesis is titled "Pluralistic Ignorance: A Phenomenon Among the Young in Dar es Salaam?" and is
centered around investigating pluralistic ignorance in the context of young people in Dar es Salaam. The study aims to explore how pluralistic ignorance, where individuals misperceive others' beliefs and behaviors, leading to conformity despite differing private opinions, affects gender roles and social norms. It draws on data gathered through the WorkLab project in collaboration with organizations such as ESRF and FeminaHip, focusing on social and psychological factors that sustain gender inequalities. Through empirical investigation, the project examines whether pluralistic ignorance exists in these settings and how it contributes to gender-based violence and societal development in Tanzania.

This research will contribute to understanding the dynamics of gender norms in transitioning societies and offer insights into strategies for combating social misperceptions that hinder progress towards gender equality.