This essay deals with the transition Nordic welfare states have gone through since the mid-late 20th century and sheds light on the question which development appears most adequate for the Nordic states in the near future. The main question to keep in mind is: "Should the Nordic countries go back to the ways of the welfare state?" This essay argues in favour of this. The welfare state is favourable over neoliberalist policies from a humanitarian standpoint, from a perspective of social justice and even in terms of economic sustainability.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Historical constructivism: Ontogenesis of the Nordic welfare states
- Definition of the 'welfare state'
- Continuity of interventionism
- A history in general education and social assistance
- The 1930s compromise
- The golden era of the Nordic welfare state
- A story of success
- The emerge of neoliberal tendencies in the Nordic countries
- Discussion
- Restructuring the status quo: What is important to change?
- Women and the labour market
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the transition Nordic welfare states have undergone since the mid-late 20th century. The primary objective is to evaluate which development trajectory appears most suitable for the Nordic countries in the near future. The main question guiding the analysis is: “Should the Nordic countries revert to the ways of the welfare state?”
- The historical development of the Nordic welfare state
- The emergence of neoliberal tendencies in the Nordic countries
- The impact of these trends on the economy and individuals
- The role of the welfare state in achieving a better society
- The importance of policy towards women and families
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction lays out the central question of whether Nordic countries should revert to the welfare state model. The essay argues that the welfare state is advantageous from a humanitarian, social justice, and economic sustainability perspective. It outlines the historical development of the Nordic welfare state and explains why this system was replaced by neoliberal tendencies. The essay will explore the consequences of these trends for the economy and individuals within society.
Chapter 2 focuses on the historical constructivism and ontogenesis of the Nordic welfare states. It begins with a definition of the "welfare state" and then explores the continuity of interventionism in Nordic countries. This chapter examines the historical developments in general education and social assistance, culminating in the pivotal 1930s compromise that laid the foundation for the collectivist welfare state.
Chapter 3 highlights the "golden era" of collectivism in the Nordic states and their welfare regimes, emphasizing the success of this model in achieving social justice and economic prosperity. The subsequent chapters delve into the emergence of neoliberal trends in the Nordic countries, their impact on the economy and individuals, and the need for a re-evaluation of the welfare state's role in achieving a more just and sustainable society. The essay concludes with a focus on the importance of policies toward women and families as a promising strategy for the future.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and focus topics include the Nordic welfare state, neoliberalism, historical constructivism, interventionism, social justice, economic sustainability, and gender equality. The analysis examines the trade-offs between different policy approaches and their impact on the economic and social well-being of Nordic countries.
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- Tobias Vornholt (Autor), 2015, The Nordic Welfare Models in Transition, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1286422
