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Part of the book series: Social Policy in a Development Context ((SPDC))

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a historical and comparative framework for the discussion of contemporary social policy developments in the Nordic countries. Present reforms and policy trends illustrate dilemmas for social policy that are common to many countries, and some of the reforms can be seen as alternative strategies to deal with the dilemmas. The relevance of the Scandinavian case for the discussion of different alternative social policy approaches in other parts of the world should be seen in relation to the fact that the Scandinavian model is seen as an ‘ideal type’. Its merits, as well as its drawbacks, deserve to be taken seriously.

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Kangas, O., Palme, J. (2005). Coming Late — Catching Up: The Formation of a ‘Nordic Model’. In: Kangas, O., Palme, J. (eds) Social Policy and Economic Development in the Nordic Countries. Social Policy in a Development Context. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230523500_2

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