The Swedish Theory of Love: Individualism and Social Trust in Modern Sweden

Sweden's response to COVID-19 highlighted a paradox: it resisted lockdown while defending individual rights and responsibilities. Henrik Berggren and Lars Trägårdh argue that the traditional view of Sweden's welfare state as socialist collectivism is flawed. The Swedish Theory of Love examines a political culture that stresses individual autonomy and trust in the state, revealing the moral logic behind Sweden's welfare state: equality and autonomy are preconditions for genuine love and affection.

Format: Hardback
Length: 394 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: University of Washington Press

In 2020, Sweden's response to COVID-19 garnered renewed attention, highlighting a paradoxical situation. Traditionally celebrated for its commitment to social solidarity, Sweden stood as the last Western country to resist lockdown while simultaneously defending individual rights and responsibilities. To understand these contradictions, Henrik Berggren and Lars Trägårdh argue that the traditional view of Sweden's welfare state as a result of socialist collectivism is flawed. While social values have remained strong, they have coexisted with a radical form of individualism.

The English edition of the Swedish bestseller "Är svensken människa?" (The Swedish Theory of Love) delves into a political culture that emphasizes individual autonomy on the one hand and trust in the state on the other. Spanning various disciplines such as philosophy, cultural studies, sociology, literary criticism, and political science, the book goes beyond the realm of rational social engineering to uncover the moral logic behind Sweden's welfare state. It posits that human relationships based on dependency and subordination lead to inauthenticity, while equality and autonomy are essential preconditions for genuine love and affection.

This exploration of Swedish society sheds light on the complex interplay between social values, individualism, and the welfare state. It challenges the notion that Sweden's success is solely attributable to socialist policies and emphasizes the importance of a nuanced understanding of its political culture. The book offers valuable insights into the moral foundations of social welfare and the challenges faced by countries seeking to balance individual rights and social cohesion in the face of global crises.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295750545