The Nordic Welfare State and the Family Institution from the 20th Century

Abstract

The Nordic countries are seen as countries with good welfare systems and these welfare systems did not just come into existence but went through a process which affected the major institutions in these countries with time. This article is a literature review which reflects on relevant social changes to the family as an institution in the Nordic societies mainly Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark from the 20th century onwards. The study relied on secondary sources of data as a point in the comparative analysis of the family policies and policies for gender equality on the family models. In analysing the data for this study, journal articles, books and statistical reports from credible sources were used. The article highlights on whether Nordic family policies and policies for gender equality are based on a specific family model. Touches a little on the biopolitics in the Nordic countries and how biopolitics is done in the Nordic countries. Lastly, the articles also stresses on the new challenges that come up as a result of changes in family policies and gender policies. Findings from this article show that, the Nordic welfare system and policies are not solely based on a family model but also on gender equality. Limitation to this article is that some sources to this article were not current but relevant and can be related to the current issues concerning gender studies and Nordic welfare system. Further studies can be made on how the government and its policies control the family institution.