The Real Nordic Model
Ezra Klein is singing the praises of the Nordic model, and with good reason: the Nordic countries have done pretty well along a lot of important metrics. But let’s not forget that two-thirds of Swedish fifteen-year-olds live with both biological parents. That’s true of less than half of American fifteen-year-olds.
Might this have something to do with the higher level of economic security?
And of course the key difference between Swedes and Americans when it comes to the distribution of income is that our rich are far richer. The Swedish poor are better off in terms of the quality of public goods, though its perhaps more accurate to say that poor Swedes have no choice when it comes to consuming some public goods whereas poor Americans do, e.g., poor Americans who never sign up for Medicaid. I happen to think all poor Americans should be automatically enrolled in such programs. But this is a question of values.
Also, let’s not forget that the “Nordic model” includes liberalized pensions and school choice and broad-based (some would say regressive!) consumption taxes.
So yes, I like the Nordic model too: strong families, choice in public services, and consumption taxes. There are other things I don’t like: a closed labor market (which essentially bans a lot of immigrant labor), stultifying homogeneity, and wealth taxes that drive entrepreneurs overseas.
“And of course the key difference between Swedes and Americans when it comes to the distribution of income is that our rich are far richer.”
The horror… the horror….
— Freddie · Nov 13, 03:52 AM · #
You’re right, as always. The Nordic model is very successful for several things. But any model that generates 15% unemployment, as in Sweden, cannot be viewed as a formula for success.
More importantly, you sing the praises of economic security in Viking-land, but I think any society that puts the emphasis on security will lag behind those who put the emphasis on vitality.
— PEG · Nov 13, 08:00 AM · #
It only took me three paragraphs to realize you weren’t talking about beautiful, 6-foot-tall, blonde women.
— Joules · Nov 13, 08:16 AM · #
“You’re right, as always. The Nordic model is very successful for several things. But any model that generates 15% unemployment, as in Sweden, cannot be viewed as a formula for success.”
Why? Could it be that, shockingly, people have different views of success than the standard American one? I am consistently disappointed by the failure of imagination when it comes to thinking outside of the conventional metrics for success used in the American system. Why can’t the people of Sweden value a system which has a higher unemployment rate, but significantly reduces the ill effects of poverty? The Swedish system is only inferior if you’ve already accepted American notions of success, and in that case the game is rigged.
It’s impossible to have this conversation if you can’t step outside of the worldview that says that productivity is the only goal of human life.
— Freddie · Nov 13, 02:42 PM · #