Abstract
Within the same welfare state model, Norway and Sweden have established very different models for personal assistance. Sweden has developed a model with a strong consumerist profile with extensive rights and choices for users. In Norway, state control of the arrangement has been stronger. Users’ rights have been weaker and decisions are left to the discretion of the professionals in the welfare services. Recent political signals in both countries indicate that the models might converge in the future. In Sweden, authorities are worried that users’ rights have become too extensive. Efforts have been made to restrict users’ rights and to make public control stronger. In Norway, the target group for the arrangement has been extended and stronger individual rights to obtain personal assistance are proposed. The article will clarify the tendencies in the two countries and discuss the consequences – for the arrangement and for the users’ control over their assistance.
Highlights
In personal assistance different discourses are unified
Personal assistance is applauded both by the left and the right in the political landscape
As a background for the discussion, it is necessary first to describe in some detail the different models of personal assistance in the two countries before the new reforms
Summary
In personal assistance different discourses are unified. Pearson (2000) has characterised personal assistance as a mix between a social justice discourse and a liberalist market discourse. Within the same welfare state model, the neighbouring countries Norway and Sweden have established very different models for personal assistance. The arrangement is primarily organised as direct payments, at least for the users with extensive need for assistance. Efforts have been made to restrict users’ rights and to make public control stronger. In Norway, the target group for the arrangement was recently extended and stronger individual rights to obtain personal assistance have been proposed. This article will clarify the different tendencies in the two countries and discuss the consequences of the arrangement and of the users’ control over their assistance. As a background for the discussion, it is necessary first to describe in some detail the different models of personal assistance in the two countries before the new reforms
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
