Abstract
In Sweden the percentage of the population receiving means-tested social assistance can be taken as an indicator of relative poverty. This indicator is used here to describe and analyse changes in poverty in Sweden, 1945 to 1973, in various subgroups of the population. The focus is on distinguishing structural and releasing factors behind the need for social assistance and on analyzing the possibilities and limitations of social policy in decreasing poverty and inequality in a society with a capitalistic economic system. Social policy measures have had significant effects for reducing poverty and in changing the cycle of deprivation, e.g. among old persons. These measures have however had little effect on the structural factors behind poverty. Influences from the economy in terms of variation in unemployment, wages and prices continue to strongly affect the extent to poverty among economically active persons and their dependents.
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.
