End of Equality? The Welfare State Model Beyond the Crisis

The last delivery of Framtider, the magazine of the Swedish Institute for Future Studies, is extremely interesting as, beyond the usual critics and opponents to the Swedish model, it is a well documented analysis on the real situation in Sweden. Joakim Palme, Director of the Institute for Futures Studies, Johan Fritzell is Professor of sociology and director of research at the Institute, and Åke Bergmark, Professor of social work and research director at the Institute have an interesting approach about the real Swedish situation. And of its dangers.

What shape is the Swedish welfare state model in following the austerity measures of the 1990s? Since the model is so intrinsically connected to the concept of equality, any assessment of changes in the model should also consider how equality in people’s living conditions has been affected. From an analytical perspective, the Swedish tradition of welfare research further implies that we should make a distinction between the welfare state institutions as such and the resources that make it possible for individuals to control their own lives, i.e. what ultimately determines their welfare. How, then, is inequality changing in the beginning of the 21st century after a decade of economic growth above the European average?

Cultural Diversity: a glimpse over the current debate in Sweden

It is interesting sometimes to see that southern centres of research are interested in the Nordic models, such as Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, from Milano (web site: www.feem.it). This paper, from Kiflemariam Hamde of the Umeå School of Business, from Umeå University in the north of Sweden, makes an interesting analysis of the Swedish approach to diversity. Some of these elements have changed since the September 2006 elections, but the analysis is still valid.Summary
A year and a half ago, the Swedish government decided 2006 to be The Year for Cultural Diversity (Agenda för Mångkultur, 2005). The general purpose, according to the directive, is to facilitate the possibilities for all citizens to participate in all aspects of the cultural life by enhancing appropriate arenas for different traditions (Agenda för Mångkultur, 2005). This policy decision was not a surprise to both observers and participants of the diversity debate. There has been a growing interest in the virtues of diversity for business effectiveness and success (mångfald.com), heightened scrutiny of institutional and organizational life by the mass media, and legitimizing debates by political parties which had always had some form of concern for diversity, if not for its own sake, at least for capitalizing on the legitimacy of diversity politics in the expectation of local and parliament elections next September. The proclamation of 2006 as a Year for Cultural diversity thus comes naturally from the broadened debates and organizational programs, each actor trying to get legitimacy by using the concept of cultural diversity to suit the demands of the times. Indeed, cultural diversity has become a priority agenda for any legitimate actor, at least in terms of programs and polices, if not in action. Moreover, the coordinator of the 2006 Cultural Year consistently promised in the mass media that this would be “the starting point”, and not merely a celebratory performance (VK, 28 October 2005; DN 3 January 2006). Already, what are called as the Cultural diversity consultants had worked since 2003 in eight counties as a partial preparation for this year, and to raise the consciousness of relevant actors in the field of culture and cultural institutions, especially those financed by state money. Private cultural associations, however, are invited to participate during the diversity year but they were not invited to co-design the contents of the diversity year.

Sweden: Childhood poverty has a negative impact on attainment in adulthood

In a new Working Paper two researchers shows that living conditions during childhood and adolescence structure socio-economic circumstances also in midlife. It is not a surprise, but it is a new proof coming from 2 researchers and the Swedish prospective institute.
Childhood Poverty and Labour Market Exclusion. Findings from a Swedish Birth Cohort.
Bäckman, Olof & Anders Nilsson
Arbetsrapport/Institutet för Framtidstudier; 2007:13

Abstract

Research has consistently shown that poverty and economic hardship have negative consequences for children. Few studies, however, have examined whether these consequences persists into adulthood. In the present paper we broaden the focus and analyse how living conditions during childhood and adolescence structure socio-economic circumstances also in midlife. How does exposure to poverty during childhood and adolescence affect future probabilities for labour market exclusion and inclusion in early adulthood and in midlife?

The data are drawn from a new longitudinal Swedish data set – the Stockholm Birth Cohort Study (SBC) – in which we can follow a cohort of Swedes from birth (1953) to the age of 48 (2001). Our results show that childhood poverty clearly has a negative impact on attainment in adulthood. Persistent poverty in the family of origin and entering poverty in adolescence are particularly detrimental for life chances. This is most salient in the analysis of exclusion in midlife. Educational achievement and deviant behaviour (criminality and drug abuse) are identified as important intervening variables. The results are interpreted as a process of cumulative disadvantage. In our final analyses we focus on those excluded from the labour market in early adulthood and their likelihood to be included in midlife. We find that that resource attainment in terms of education and family has positive effects for the chance for inclusion and may in that respect be regarded as turning points.

There is, today, consensus regarding children’s rights to equal life chances. We know that poverty and other adverse living conditions not only have a direct impact on children’s well-being, but also that they have salient effects on how life courses develop. Research has consistently shown that poverty and economic hardship have negative consequences for children. Few studies, however, have examined whether these consequences persists into adulthood. In the present paper we broaden the focus and analyse how living conditions during childhood and adolescence structure socio-economic circumstances also in midlife.