The Age of Social Democracy : Norway and Sweden in the Twentieth Century

A history of how Norway and Sweden became the envy of the modern world This is the history of how two countries on the northern edge of Europe built societies in the twentieth century that became objects of inspiration and envy around the world. Francis Sejersted, one of Scandinavia's leading historians, tells how Norway and Sweden achieved a rare feat by realizing grand visions of societies that combine stability, prosperity, and social welfare. It is a history that holds many valuable lessons today, at a time of renewed interest in the Scandinavian model. The book tells the story of social democracy from the separation of Norway and Sweden in 1905 through the end of the century, tracing its development from revolutionary beginnings through postwar triumph, as it became a hegemonic social order that left its stamp on every sector of society, the economy, welfare, culture, education, and family. The book also tells how in the 1980s, partly in reaction to the strong state, a freedom and rights revolution led to a partial erosion of social democracy. Yet despite the fracturing of consensus and the many economic and social challenges facing Norway and Sweden today, the achievement of their welfare states remains largely intact. This is the history of how two countries on the northern edge of Europe built societies in the twentieth century that became objects of inspiration and envy around the world. Francis Sejersted, one of Scandinavia's leading historians, tells how Norway and Sweden achieved a rare feat by realizing grand visions of societies that combine stability, prosperity, and social welfare. It is a history that holds many valuable lessons today, at a time of renewed interest in the Scandinavian model. The book tells the story of social democracy from the separation of Norway and Sweden in 1905 through the end of the century, tracing its development from revolutionary beginnings through postwar triumph, as it became a hegemonic social order that left its stamp on every sector of society, the economy, welfare, culture, education, and family. The book also tells how in the 1980s, partly in reaction to the strong state, a freedom and rights revolution led to a partial erosion of social democracy. Yet despite the fracturing of consensus and the many economic and social challenges facing Norway and Sweden today, the achievement of their welfare states remains largely intact. Publisher's note 1905-1940 : Growth And Social Integration. Dreaming The Land Of The Future -- National Integration And Democracy -- Assistance For Self-help -- Revolution Or Reform -- Distance And Proximity. 1940-1970 : The Golden Age Of Social Democracy. Cooperation In A Menacing World -- The Most Dynamic Force For Social Development -- The Crowning Glory -- What Kind Of People Do We Need? -- Capitalism, Socialism, And Democracy. 1970-2000 : A Richer Reality. A Difficult Modernity -- What Happened To Economic Democracy? From Equality To Freedom -- The Return Of Politics -- The Last Soviet States -- After Social Democracy : Toward New Social Structures? Francis Sejersted ; Translated By Richard Daly ; With Editing By Madeleine B. Adams. Translation Of V. 2 Of Revised Version Of: Norge Og Sverige Gjennom 200 år / Bo Stråth. Oslo : Pax, 2005. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Presents the history of how two countries on the northern edge of Europe built societies in the twentieth century that became objects of inspiration and envy around the world. This title tells how Norway and Sweden achieved a rare feat by realizing grand visions of societies that combine stability, prosperity, and social welfare.