American politicians use the Nordic region as both a role model and a scare tactic Different groups use the Nordic countries for different rhetorical purposes, one political scientist observes.
The richest Norwegians pay the least taxes Researchers now see that income inequality in Norway is much greater than official figures have shown.
Not even a Nordic welfare system protects children from the effects of a tough childhood Children who experience a high degree of adverse events had up to 4.5 times the risk of dying before they were 35 years old as compared to children with few or no challenges, according to a new study from Denmark.
Young social welfare users: Mandatory activities are ok, but benefit sanctions can feel unfair Young people under the age of 30 who receive social assistance in Norway are now required to participate in work-related activities. Young people find the attendance requirement reasonable, but many find benefit sanctions unpredictable, according to a new study.
Norwegians have substantial pension capital — so why should the retirement age be increased? Norwegians currently have about NOK 3 million per person on average in pension capital — but increasing life expectancies have some experts advocating a gradual increase in retirement age.
Norwegian elite support immigration The social elite in Norway are more supportive of immigration than the rest of the country’s population. The elite are also very supportive of the welfare state, but not everyone with lots of money is thrilled with the redistribution of wealth.
No baby boom from cash-for-care benefits The number of births per woman has declined since cash for childcare benefits were introduced in Norway.
Housing first for homeless people in Norway Homeless persons in Norway can now choose how and where they want to live.
Economic security for young Nordic adults wanes Circumstances for jobless persons under the age of 25 in Sweden, Finland and Norway have changed dramatically the last 15 years. Many have become poor.
Earmarked taxes can finance elder boom costs We will be twice as wealthy in 2060 as we are today. But it’s doubtful that we will be eager to pay more taxes – unless we know what the money is going to.
Privatised vs. socialised health services Depending on their leanings, politicians can portray privatisation as either a cure-all or the bane of Norwegian hospitals. Research doesn’t back either claim.
Privatised rental market inflates costs Renting a flat in Oslo’s privatised real estate market is more expensive than in Stockholm and Copenhagen, where costs and rents are regulated. The two different Scandinavian systems each have their advantages and drawbacks.
Young college grads fall through the safety net The Scandinavian welfare system is recognized worldwide for its generous benefits and cradle-to-grave care. But not everyone benefits equally: Norwegians who pursue higher education and then can't find work are rarely eligible for unemployment benefits.
Focus on refugee resilience, not trauma Support for refugees from war zones should focus on their resilience, not their trauma, says new research.
Goverment payouts reduce MS costs Multiple sclerosis is an expensive disease, with payouts for drugs by Norwegian patients upwards of €30 million per year. The government pays for most of these expenses, with the surprising result of saving money over the long run.
The welfare state reduces income gap between the exes Women's incomes take the hardest hit after a divorce. In Norway the welfare state eliminates the difference between husband and wife by subsidising single parents.
When the state takes your child A child custody row between the Norwegian state and an Indian couple living in Norway has caused a big stir. A recently published study reveals when and why social workers split up families.
Heavy use of addictive drugs among disabled People receiving disability benefits in Norway use a lot of habit-forming sleeping pills and sedatives and continue using them over a long time.
Hole in the mesh The welfare state’s safety net doesn’t catch everyone. Parents’ economic status is still a factor determining who falls right through.