Nordic Economic Social and Political Model

<p>The Nordic Model is the 20th-century Scandinavian recipe for combining stable democracies individual freedom economic growth and comprehensive systems for social security. But what happens when Sweden and Finland – two countries topping global indexes for competitiveness productivity growth quality of life prosperity and equality – start doubting themselves and their future? Is the Nordic Model at a crossroads?</p><p>Historically consensus continuity social cohesion and broad social trust have been hailed as key components for the success and for the self-images of Sweden and Finland. In the contemporary however political debates in both countries are increasingly focused on risks threats and worry. Social disintegration political polarization geopolitical anxieties and threat of terrorism are often dominant themes. This book focuses on what appears to be a paradox: countries with low income differences high faith in social institutions and relatively high cultural homogeneity becoming fixated on the fear of polarization disintegration and diminished social trust. Unpacking the presentist discourse of worry and a sense of interregnum at the face of geopolitical tensions digitalization and globalization as well as challenges to democracy the chapters take steps back in time and explore the current conjecture through the eyes of historians and social scientists addressing key aspects of and challenges to both the contemporary and future Nordic Model. In addition the functioning and efficacy of the participatory democracy and current protocols of decision-making are debated.</p><p>This work is essential reading for students and scholars of the welfare state social reforms and populism as well as Nordic and Scandinavian studies.</p><p>The Open Access version of this book available at www.taylorfrancis.com has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.</p>