Northern Lights ― The Positive Policy Example of Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway

The nations of Scandinavia and Finland, or Nordic Europe, continue to provide living proof that economic prosperity can be combined with social equality and environmental responsibility. This book, written from an Australian perspective, explores previous outside policy interest in the Nordic nations and shows the lessons which the English-speaking world, in particular, can learn now from the achievements of the four main Nordic European nations. In terms of income distribution Sweden is much more equal than Australia and Britain and twice as equal as the United States. Workforce participation in the Nordic nations is high but working hours remain within reasonable limits; promoting genuine work-life balance. Child poverty there is very low. Finland has produced stunning educational success since the 1990s. Denmark invests in comprehensive skills training as part of providing security with flexibility at work. In Norway the taxation approach ensures that natural resources are used sustainably for the entire nation's long-term wealth. All of these achievements are relevant to questions of future policy direction, now, for Australia and other English-speaking countries. About the author: Dr Andrew Scott is Associate Professor in Politics and Policy at Deakin University, Melbourne. He is the author of four previous books and numerous book chapters and articles on aspects of politics, policy and history; frequently involving international comparisons. For several years Andrew has been researching English-speaking nations' past interest in - and achievable lessons which they can learn and apply today from - the policy achievements of the Nordic European nations.