The discussion of the viability of the Nordic welfare model in many ways resemble the scientific discussion of the bumblebee. The bumblebee, as we know, flies against the laws of nature and against scientists’ insight into these laws. Similarly the Nordic welfare model persists despite predictions by many social scientists. Because the Nordic welfare model is supposedly more universal and generous than other European models. In an article in the latest issue of the Journal of Policy Science (vol.7, pp. 73-95), I examine seven challenges to the Nordic welfare model to assess whether its days are numbered, whether it is moving closer to other European welfare models, or if the model will still be socially and economically viable in the twenty-first century.
Jon Kvist 