Bernie Sanders is proposing that the United States adopt the “democratic socialism” of the Scandinavian countries (though they reverse the emphasis in calling their ideology “social democracy”). As a follow up to my recent visit to Denmark and Norway, I came upon two articles that touched on the cultural factors–including their Lutheran heritage–that make that system work, not only in Europe but with Scandinavian immigrants in America.
FromNima Sanandaji, The End of Nordic Illusions – WSJ:
Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden aren’t set apart only by social-democratic policies but also by a unique culture built upon trust, a Lutheran work ethic and a strong emphasis on personal responsibility. These cultural features, combined with healthy lifestyles, allowed Nordic nations to develop high living standards, income equality and long lifespans during the first half of the 20th century. The success also arose during a period when policies were based upon low taxes and free markets.
This culture has created social progress even outside the generous welfare state. The Danish diaspora living in America, for example, has a lower level of poverty and a 37% higher standard of living than their cousins back home.
From Kevin D. Williamson, Bernie’s Strange Brew of Nationalism and Socialism, National Review:
The Scandinavian welfare states they so admire are very different from the United States in many ways, and one of the most important is that their politics are consensus-driven. That has some significant downsides, prominent among them the crushing conformity that is ruthlessly enforced on practically every aspect of life. (The Dano-Norwegian novelist Aksel Sandemose called it “Jante law,” after the petty and bullying social milieu of the fictional village Jante in A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks.) But it is also a stabilizing and moderating force in politics, allowing for the emergence of a subtle and sophisticated and remarkably broad social agreement that contains political disputes.
Bernie’s politics, on the other hand, are the polar opposite of Scandinavian: He’s got a debilitating case of Tea Party envy. He promises not just confrontation but hostile, theatrical confrontation, demonizing not only his actual opponents but his perceived enemies as well, including the Walton family, whose members are not particularly active in politics these days, and some of whom are notably liberal. That doesn’t matter: If they have a great deal of wealth, they are the enemy.
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