Abstract
The Nordic welfare states generally support and facilitate the formation of civil society organisations and they provide relatively good opportunities for participation and interest mediation. The Nordic welfare states are also recognised for their efforts to limit social inequality and for seeking to provide acceptable living conditions even for the most vulnerable and excluded groups. This article focuses on the opportunities for the participation for drug users, which is one of the most marginalised groups in society. Taking the cases of Denmark and Sweden, it explores the extent to which it has been possible for people who currently use drugs to organise and gain recognition as legitimate spokesmen for drug users – even when they favour strategies that are not part of the official welfare state policy. The article shows that opportunities for the autonomous organisation of drug users have been better in Denmark than in Sweden. It argues that this can be explained by different approaches to addiction and state intervention. The article thus highlights some ideological differences between the two Nordic welfare states. The article also argues that drug policies in the Nordic countries appear to be converging.
Highlights
A number of different groups of social welfare users have emerged and organised themselves during the last decades
The article shows that opportunities for the autonomous organisation of drug users have been better in Denmark than in Sweden
The article argues that an analysis of the history of two drug user organisations, those of opiate users and people in maintenance treatment with methadone, provides an improved understanding of certain cultural and ideological differences between the two Nordic welfare states
Summary
A number of different groups of social welfare users have emerged and organised themselves during the last decades. People with physical or psychological disabilities, patient groups, homeless people and unemployed people have organised in minor self-help and interest organisations to struggle for rights and improvements in their situation in society This development has been seen in all the Nordic welfare states and many of the organisations have, when recognised by the state, been supported financially by the authorities. Even if the Nordic welfare states in principle seek to improve the conditions of poor and marginalized citizens, Denmark and Sweden have in the last two decades provided rather distinct opportunities and conditions for drug users who seek to develop interest organisations. Sweden and Denmark, it highlights how the states on secondary data from other researchers and on emphasise different approaches and strategies to ensure analysis of documents that are available on the welfare for all in the two countries. Telephone interview with the chairman of the Swedish drug user organisation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
