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The Scandinavian Democratic Model
Author(s) -
Einhorn Eric S.,
Logue John A.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
scandinavian political studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.65
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1467-9477
pISSN - 0080-6757
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9477.1986.tb00345.x
Subject(s) - democracy , corporatism , politics , economic democracy , political economy , political science , welfare state , state (computer science) , representative democracy , dimension (graph theory) , balance (ability) , economic system , positive economics , sociology , economics , law , mathematics , algorithm , computer science , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , pure mathematics
Given the continuing importance of democracy as an analytic concept. this article seeks to compare Scandinavian practice with accepted general definitions and theories. Definitions that recognize contemporary political democracy as consensual and procedural seem most appropriate to the Scandinavian cases. Although remaining dynamic. political democracy has not been a contested principle for more than 50 years. Efforts since 1945 to extend democracy to social and economic spheres have been more controversial, however. Welfare state measures enjoy broad support, not least for functional reasons. For many, however, such policies seek a broader social democracy instead of merely a humane ‘safety net’. Economic democracy remains the most contested dimension. Seeking to transcend corporatism and rational collective bargaining, economic democracy seeks simultaneously to promote greater economic equality and participation while maintaining an efficient productive system. The dynamic and expanded democratic model has engendered much domestic debate about means and ends. This has been, on balance, a source of reinvigoration.