Publication

This paper traces steps in the history of the Scandinavian welfare state. The authors argue that this route to modern democratic welfare state offers insights and lessons into the relationships between political, economic and social development. They discuss the importance given to adhering to the principle of universalism, showing that development toward the post-World War II comprehensive welfare state occurred in stages, characterized by the principle of universalism and a strong role for the state and local government. They demonstrate that the welfare state's construction was gradual and a continuous balancing act between stimulating economic development and promoting social justice.