The Nordic Welfare Model in a European Perspective

Susan Kuivalainen and Kenneth Nelson 2010

From a comparative point of view the Nordic countries have succeeded well in terms of poverty alleviation; however, last-resort safety-nets are changing. This study analyses central dimensions of Nordic social assistance, such as generosity, scope and effectiveness of benefits. It shows that particularly Finland and Sweden have suffered from welfare decline, including less generous and effective benefits.

Download Working Paper 2010 no.11

From a comparative point of view the Nordic countries have succeeded well in terms of poverty alleviation; however, last-resort safety-nets are changing. This study analyses central dimensions of Nordic social assistance, such as generosity, scope and effectiveness of benefits. It shows that particularly Finland and Sweden have suffered from welfare decline, including less generous and effective benefits.

Download Working Paper 2010 no.11