Abstract
Abstract The Nordic countries are known for their success in combining an extensive welfare state with high labor force participation. This is explained by the origins and organization of their welfare states, which can be traced to a set of values and beliefs that emphasize the right of women to participate in the labor market. These values are shared by individuals born in other European countries of Nordic parents and may have origins in the Nordic countries’ Lutheran heritage.
Highlights
This paper is about beliefs and values in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden – in particular, those having to do with the participation of women in the market economy
We argue that the reason for this lies in the values found in these countries – values that have a direct impact on women’s education and labor market participation
Values emphasizing women’s right to combine paid work and motherhood underlie the welfare states of the Nordic countries. These values can be found in the writings of the founders of the welfare state in the early 20th century
Summary
This paper is about beliefs and values in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden – in particular, those having to do with the participation of women in the market economy. We attempt to explain how these countries have managed to combine high levels of taxation and high rates of female labor force participation with relatively high fertility rates.. What sets the Nordic countries apart from most other advanced countries is that the conflict between motherhood and participation in the labor market was addressed in the design of their welfare states by enabling working women to become mothers. We argue that the reason for this lies in the values found in these countries – values that have a direct impact on women’s education and labor market participation
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