Published in 2006, this book is about what the United States can learn from an ostensibly socialist country in Scandinavia.
The author is an American lawyer, judge, and politician with Swedish roots and a deep admiration for how Sweden’s politicians have shaped its modern society. Mr. Gustafson is a dedicated patriot and believes in American ideals. However, he sees some very interesting political solutions in the land of his ancestors.
A guiding star among modern societies?
Sweden, the largest of the Scandinavian countries, was ranked the second most competitive country (after Switzerland) by the World Economic Forum in 2010. It also has the most equal wealth distribution of any country in the world.
To uncover the Swedish “secret”, Earl Gustafson investigates how both the US and Sweden have developed socio-economically. He describes the guiding principles of democracy and how they are followed in both countries, respectively.
Comparing two clearly different stories
The book also gives the reader a comprehensive historical overview of both countries. Before the middle of the 20th century, much of Sweden was underdeveloped. Hundreds of thousands left poverty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to find a better life in America.
The United States, on the other hand, has seen steady economic growth and technological development, but also a long history of wars. After World War II, when the rest of Europe was in shambles, Sweden’s commercial and industrial sectors were intact.
later 20he developments of the century
This was a golden age in Sweden when politicians had the means to build a better society for their highly homogeneous population with a strong Lutheran work ethic. The sheer logic of investing in education and technology could not be argued. This was clearly a way to bring modern living standards to the entire country and a basic standard of living for all.
As Mr. Gustafson clearly points out, the key to the Swedish “secret” is a combination of many factors. They include the country’s efficient, free-market economy, and a high percentage of women in positions of leadership and authority.
Similar modern cultures, with different values
Differences in the American and Swedish mentality are also discussed. While Americans dream of great wealth – “the sky is the limit”, the Swedes have a more modest perspective, rooted in the Viking Age. Traditionally in Sweden, all members of the group should have enough for a good life, but the accumulation of great wealth is almost looked upon with suspicion.
This traditional way of thinking in Sweden probably contributes to careful budgeting in the government today. The country has managed to achieve not only a balanced budget, but also a buffer in case tougher economic times lie ahead.
A cautious and skillful balancing act
Perhaps part of Sweden’s “secret” is its practical way of planning for periods of slower economic growth, while at the same time investing in the future as soundly as possible. It’s an ongoing balancing act, made even more precarious by the size of the country.
So can the United States learn anything from the Swedish model?
This book was written by a very concerned American citizen, hoping for just that.
Perhaps its most important message is: America is wrestling with a number of critical socioeconomic issues today, but those issues are not unique to the US and have been successfully addressed elsewhere for the good of the people.
http://www.sweden.se/
Lund, Sweden
March 2012