När platserna inte räcker till : En kvalitativ studie om gatekeeping inom dansvärlden

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study is to widen the sociological knowledge about how gatekeepers make selections, in contexts characterized by uncertainty. This is examined through the dance world as empirical case, based on the question “How do gatekeepers orientate themselves in the uncertainty that characterizes decision-making around which dance artists should be assigned dance residencies?”. The empirical material is collected through semi-structured interviews with five individuals who participate in selection processes for dance residencies within different organizations. The theoretical framework consists of the idea of art worlds as cooperative networks built up by conventions, the uncertainty principle and ideal types for uncertainty reduction; institutionalization, decision, valuation and competition. Furthermore, gatekeeping is used as a central concept.  Lack of resources combined with the fact that the selection framework opens up to multiple interpretations are factors that contribute to uncertainty. The processes are further complicated by the gatekeeper's awareness of power. Gatekeepers use valuation as uncertainty reduction by seeking consensus in selection groups, taking into account the artists' previous work in the dance world, and by trusting the own experience. Furthermore, gatekeepers strive for institutionalization as uncertainty reduction. Competition is a less prominent feature, but works to reduce uncertainty in one of the organizations through the "first come, first served" principle. Decision can function as a last resort when the valuation work of the selection groups has reached the end of the road.