Has the Nordic Welfare Model Been Transformed?

Abstract

The Nordic welfare model is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Using Denmark we show how a universal welfare state model is gradually being transformed into an emergent multi-tiered welfare state. Whereas the Danish pension system's having become multi-tiered in the 1990s, with private schemes -collective and individual -supplementing public schemes is well documented, scant attention has focused on more recent developments in other areas of the welfare state. This article shows how the multi-tiered welfare state spread in the 2000s to policies for families, the unemployed and the sick. Although Denmark still offers universal coverage in core welfare state areas, the increased use of occupational and fiscal welfare as well as changes in public schemes has gradually transformed the nation into a multi-tiered welfare state that is more dualistic and individualistic, with participation in the labour market becoming still more important for entitlement to benefits. These profound changes have taken place in such a way that although core characteristics are still in place, new structures and understandings of the welfare state are also developing. Thus classical typologies need revision, so that they include more focus on this combination of universality and institutional attachment to the labour market. Moreover, measures of what welfare comprises should include not only public but also private elements.

National-Level Family Policies and workers’ Access to Schedule Control in a European Comparative Perspective: Crowding Out or In, and for Whom?

“…Crompton 2006; Lewis et al 2008;K o r p i et al 2013) with much of the focus on comparing national-level policies across different countries. Although national-level policies are important when examining the support available for parents, it is also crucial to examine the meso-and micro-levels (see also, Abrahamson 2007;Kvist and Greve 2011). On the one hand, companies may effectively The next section explains what is meant by schedule control, the varying access to it across different groups, and examines the theories on the relationship between nationallevel policies and company-level provisions.…”

Explaining Collaboration and Commitment in Danish Non-Profit Organizations: Linking Institutional Environments to Outcomes

“…Compared to other countries there is a high level of taxation and extensive public services (Andersen 2008;Kvist and Greve 2011;Henriksen et al 2012;Dølvik et al 2015). Another important characteristic is a profound decentralization where a large part of the welfare tasks is carried out by the municipalities (Bogason 2001, p. 63;Kersting and Vetter 2003, p. 23;Baldersheim and Rose 2010).…”

Policing Norwegian Welfare: Disciplining and Differentiating within the Bottom Rungs

“…The Nordic Welfare State Model has been characterized as having a high level of de-commodification (Esping-Andersen, 1990), universal coverage with an emphasis on full employment and equality (Korpi & Palme, 1998), social protection as a citizenship right (Ferrera, 1996) and high, tax-based, social expenditure (Bonoli, 1997). The model has, however, come under pressure in recent decades due to Europeanization, globalization, economic crisis and demographic change (Greve, 2007;Kvist & Greve, 2011). The structure of the welfare system itself means that, as a range of 'deserving' risk groups have been lifted out of poverty, individuals not eligible for more generous benefits have been reduced to the few who are then eligible only for social assistance (Lødemel, 1997, p. 83).…”