The Nordic Economic, Social and Political Model: Challenges in the 21st Century

The Nordic Model, which combines stable democracies, individual freedom, economic growth, and social security, is being questioned in Sweden and Finland. Political debates in both countries are increasingly focused on risks, threats, and worry, with social disintegration, political polarization, geopolitical anxieties, and the threat of terrorism being dominant themes. This book explores the paradox of countries with low income differences, high faith in social institutions, and high cultural homogeneity becoming fixated on the fear of polarization, disintegration, and diminished social trust. It also examines the functioning and efficacy of participatory democracy and decision-making protocols.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Nordic Model, a 20th-century Scandinavian blueprint for combining stable democracies, individual freedom, economic growth, and comprehensive systems for social security, has been a beacon of success. However, Sweden and Finland, two countries that consistently rank at the top of global indexes measuring competitiveness, productivity, growth, quality of life, prosperity, and equality, are now questioning their future and the sustainability of the Nordic Model. Is the Nordic Model facing a crossroads?

Historically, consensus, continuity, social cohesion, and broad social trust have been celebrated as the pillars of Sweden and Finland's success and self-image. In the contemporary era, however, political discourse in both countries has shifted towards a focus on risks, threats, and worries. Social disintegration, political polarization, geopolitical anxieties, and the threat of terrorism have become dominant themes. This book delves into a paradoxical phenomenon: countries with relatively low income differences, high faith in social institutions, and relatively high cultural homogeneity becoming preoccupied with the fear of polarization, disintegration, and diminished social trust.

The chapters in this book take a historical and social science perspective to explore the current conjecture amidst geopolitical tensions, digitalization, and globalization, as well as challenges to democracy. By examining key aspects of the contemporary and future Nordic Model, the chapters aim to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities facing these countries. Additionally, the functioning and efficacy of participatory democracy and current decision-making protocols are debated, shedding light on the potential reforms and adaptations needed to sustain the Nordic Model in the future.

This book is a valuable resource for students and scholars of the welfare state, social reforms, populism, Nordic and Scandinavian studies, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of contemporary societies. The Open Access version of this book, available through Project MUSE, ensures that its insights and knowledge are accessible to a wide audience, promoting dialogue and understanding across disciplines.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367724405