Non-Coercive or Voluntary Societies
Voluntary social systems are the most understudied subject in public policy, with the preference being for coercive structures. This blog is dedicated to finding non-coercive solutions to our social problems.
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
The Myth of the Scandinavian Model
In most discussions on the appropriate level of coercion of government, proponents of socialism bring up Scandinavia. I recently read a hard-hitting analysis that shows how the Scandinavian economy has tanked with its welfare programs, while underdog Ireland has leaped forward in Europe with its drastic reduction of taxes. Ireland's target of taxation is also very interesting, and could serve as a model for other countries that are trying to move on from a socialist mindset.
Here's an excerpt from the analysis:
However, despite Bruegel, distorted academic studies and the European media’s praise, the efficiency of the major Scandinavian economies is a myth. The Swedish and Finnish welfare states have been going through a long period of decline. In the early 1990s they were virtually bankrupt. Between 1990 and 1995 unemployment increased five-fold. The Scandinavian countries have not been able to recover.
Read the rest of the article, The Myth of the Scandinavian Model, The Brussels Journal.
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