The Nordic model of welfare is often characterized as a model that has successfully managed to combine high standards of living and equality with economic efficiency. What has made this possible, and what does the future hold for this model? The aim of the course is to deconstruct the concept of the Nordic welfare model by describing common traits of the welfare systems in Nordic countries as well as displaying differences between them. The historical and political driving forces behind the model(s) are also important to understand, especially as the welfare program that these models entail is much influenced by so-called class alliances between the labour movement and the peasantry. It is also essential to understand the economic and institutional perspectives of the model its financing structure, the strong accentuation of high labour market participation and its distributive effects. Finally, the course assesses the main achievements of the model and discusses the challenges and problems that the Nordic model of welfare faces in a time of globalisation, Europeanization and greying of populations.
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At the end of the course, the learner will be able to be able to describe the main characteristics of the welfare system in Nordic countries as well as the central differences between them. They will be able to understand the historical, political, social and economic factors that have shaped these systems and that have an effect on their performance today. The learner will also be able to critically assess the challenges that the system faces today and to discuss alternative policy solutions in relation to these challenges.
Literature according to the teacher’s instructions will be available on the learning platform.
The course is provided online with distance teaching via Zoom.
Online courses with distance teaching contain mandatory teaching sessions via Zoom or Teams, on specific dates and times. Please note! Working camera and microphone is needed for participation in the course.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
