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Welfare, Politics, and Way of Life: Research Orientations in Scandinavia

This paper deals with theoretical issues related to the political and social determination of individual welfare. From the standard perspective of welfare studies these may seem to be side issues; on the other hand it may be argued the essential aspects of individual welfare can only be discerned through a study of its ‘social dynamics’. Our starting point itself, Sten Johansson's idea of ‘political resources’, intimates this. Consequently, we take note of a Norwegian study of power relationships in society and of studies dealing with mass communications, since it is through these factors that the social experience of the people finds its expression and organization. The basic tenet of this paper, however, is that rather than trying to grasp the dynamics of welfare in terms of general abstract formulations, it is more fruitful research strategy to investigate political processes and their economic basis in concrete terms, that is, historically. The case of Finland is therefore presented in some detail, and a number of general conclusions are drawn proceeding from this. This approach allows us, in particular, to assess the political significance of welfare studies, and to account for recent changes in emphasis, as revealed by such expressions as way, or style, or quality of life.