Introduction - general features of Scandinavian societies

Equality, modernity, tradition, national/Scandinavian/Nordic identity, economic efficiency, extensive welfare state

Is there a 'Scandinavian model'?

If so,

(1) What does it comprise?

• Welfare state: (i) progressive political goal (ii) universalist: includes all citizens regardless of class (iii) egalitarian: equal flat-rate benefits (iv) redistributive: based on direct taxation; the better off have to pay more than the less well off.
• Large public sector
• Comparatively strong state
• Highly organised class interests
• Economic efficiency

(2) When did it come into existence?

Roots in late C19th (Baldwin, Kuhnle) or in 'social democratic hegemony' of the 1930s (Esping-Andersen, Castles).

(3) Whose interests does it serve?

Agrarian/bourgeois origins; post-war middle-class interests (Baldwin)

(4) No single Scandinavian model?

(Christensen - SPS 1997)